| Index | Fayetteville | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 84 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 105 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 101 | 100 | 100 |
The cost of living in Fayetteville affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Fayetteville is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Fayetteville aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Fayetteville residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.
When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 19 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Fayetteville. The results indicated that 53% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 47% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.
Is Fayetteville affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Fayetteville, the median home price is 23.9% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 0.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Fayetteville boasting a median household income of $67,955, 16.4% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Fayetteville, the utilities index is 0.2% lower than the national average.
Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Fayetteville, the transportation index is 0.9% lower than the national average.
Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Fayetteville, the groceries index is 2.8% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Fayetteville shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $96,274 | $8,023 | $2,246 | $2,889 |
| Renters | $54,703 | $4,559 | $1,276 | $1,641 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Rex, NC | 59 | 101 | 0.7% |
| Shannon, NC | 356 | 83 | 16.5% |
| Autryville, NC | 196 | 88 | 12.5% |
| Wade, NC | 618 | 88 | 11.8% |
| Linden, NC | 114 | 90 | 10.0% |
| Fayetteville, NC | 215,564 | 96 | 4.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Moreno Valley, CA | 215,612 | 137 | 37.1% |
| Richmond Hill, ON | 215,407 | n/a | |
| Oxnard, CA | 214,920 | 154 | 53.6% |
| Birmingham, AL | 216,515 | 88 | 12.4% |
| Santa Clarita, CA | 218,105 | 165 | 65.4% |
| Fayetteville, NC | 215,564 | 96 | 4.4% |
Here are the best places to live in North Carolina
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in North Carolina
Safest States In The US
These are the largest cities in North Carolina