Cost of Living in Fayetteville, NC
Population 209,692 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Fayetteville's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $56,395 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 8.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fayetteville
The median home value in Fayetteville is $171,900 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,179/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,395/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.6°F and lows of 52.4°F. Overall, Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 54 | 58 | 65 | 75 | 82 | 89 | 91 | 89 | 84 | 75 | 65 | 57 |
| Low °F | 34 | 36 | 42 | 51 | 60 | 68 | 72 | 70 | 65 | 53 | 42 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.15 | 2.78 | 3.08 | 3.15 | 3.11 | 4.89 | 4.95 | 5.36 | 4.87 | 3.23 | 3.04 | 2.97 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, NC?
Fayetteville has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fayetteville, NC?
The median gross rent in Fayetteville is $1,179 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fayetteville?
The median home value in Fayetteville is $171,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fayetteville?
The median household income in Fayetteville is $56,395 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fayetteville, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fayetteville is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Fayetteville, NC affordable?
Yes, Fayetteville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fayetteville?
Fayetteville has average high temperatures of 73.6°F and average lows of 52.4°F. Annual precipitation is 44.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Fayetteville at a Glance
- Population
- 209,692
- Median Income
- $56,395
- Home Value
- $171,900
- Median Rent
- $1,179/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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