Cost of Living: Fayetteville vs Santa Rosa (2026)
Fayetteville has a 40% lower overall cost of living than Santa Rosa as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200/mo in Fayetteville vs $2,200/mo in Santa Rosa — a 45% difference. Fayetteville has a lower state income tax rate (4.5% vs 9.3%), which adds up over time.
- Fayetteville is 40% cheaper overall (COL index: 84 vs 140)
- 1BR rent: $1,200/mo in Fayetteville vs $2,200/mo — 45% savings
- Higher median household income: Santa Rosa ($72,000/yr vs $47,000/yr)
- Median home price: $230,000 in Fayetteville vs $680,000 — 66% difference
| Category | Fayetteville North Carolina | Santa Rosa California |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $950Best | $1,700 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200Best | $2,200 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,550Best | $3,000 |
| Median home price | $230KBest | $680K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 93Best | 108 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $11Best | $16 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $48Best | $68 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $42Best | $72 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.10Best | $4.60 |
| Car insurance/mo | $143Best | $162 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $148Best | $148 |
| Internet/mo | $58Best | $68 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $47K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 4.5%Best | 9.3% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0%Best | 8.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $13.00Best | $16.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $52 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $7.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 84Best | 140 |
| Walk score / 100 | 22 | 44Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fayetteville cheaper than Santa Rosa?
Yes. Fayetteville is 40% cheaper than Santa Rosa based on overall cost of living indices (84 vs 140, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Fayetteville vs Santa Rosa?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Fayetteville is $1,200/month and in Santa Rosa is $2,200/month. Fayetteville is cheaper by 45%.
How much do I need to earn in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Fayetteville?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $125,000/year in Santa Rosa to match a $75,000 salary in Fayetteville. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Fayetteville or Santa Rosa?
Fayetteville has the lower state income tax rate at 4.5% vs 9.3%. The difference is 4.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Fayetteville to Santa Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Fayetteville offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
Want to add more cities or compare your own salary?
Use our interactive tool to compare up to 5 cities and see how much of your take-home goes to rent.