Fayetteville vs Wilmington for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Fayetteville Arkansas | Wilmington North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,050Better | $1,250 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,700Better | $2,050 |
| Median home price | $280KBetter | $340K |
| Median household income | $55K | $57KBetter |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,118Better | $1,209 |
| State income tax | 4.4%Better | 4.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 9% | 7%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $162 | $158Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 95Better | 98 |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Fayetteville or Wilmington?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Fayetteville scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $1,700/mo in Fayetteville vs $2,050/mo. Fayetteville is approximately 8% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Fayetteville vs Wilmington?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,700/month in Fayetteville and $2,050/month in Wilmington. Fayetteville is 17% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Fayetteville or Wilmington?
The price-to-income ratio in Fayetteville is 5.1× ($280K median home, $55K median income). In Wilmington it's 6.0× ($340K home, $57K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Fayetteville is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Fayetteville vs Wilmington?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,118/month in Fayetteville and $1,209/month in Wilmington, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$1,092/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Fayetteville has a 4.4% state income tax rate vs Wilmington's 4.5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $10/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Fayetteville has the same purchasing power as $108K in Wilmington
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026