Moving from Birmingham to Fayetteville (2026)

Fayetteville has a COL index of 84 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$29 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline

Key differences

COL index
8484
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,200
per month
State tax
5%4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,428$4,459
per month

Salary needed in Fayetteville to match your Birmingham lifestyle

Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in BirminghamEquivalent in Fayetteville
$40K$40,000
$50K$50,000
$60K$60,000
$75K$75,000
$80K$80,000
$100K$100,000
$120K$120,000
$150K$150,000

Monthly budget at $75K — Birmingham vs Fayetteville

ExpenseBirminghamFayetteville
Monthly take-home$4,428$4,459
1BR rent$1,200$1,200
Groceries$357$353
Transport$40$42
Utilities$175$148
Internet$58$58
Left after essentials$2,598$2,658

Frequently asked questions

Is Fayetteville cheaper than Birmingham?

No. Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 84 vs 84 for Birmingham (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Birmingham to Fayetteville?

On a $75K salary, moving from Birmingham to Fayetteville could save roughly $29/month on core expenses. That's ~$348/year.

What salary do I need in Fayetteville to match my Birmingham lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Birmingham, you'd need roughly $75,000/year in Fayetteville. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only