Moving from Fayetteville to Houston (2026)

Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 86 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 10% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$225 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
86 โ†’ 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,300 โ†’ $1,350
per month
State tax
4.4% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
86 โ†’ 95
10% more expensive

Salary needed in Houston to match your Fayetteville lifestyle

Based on the 10% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in FayettevilleEquivalent in Houston
$40K$44,186
$50K$55,233
$60K$66,279
$75K$82,849
$80K$88,372
$100K$110,465
$120K$132,558
$150K$165,698

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$112/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Fayetteville vs Houston

ExpenseFayettevilleHouston
Monthly take-home$4,466$4,741
1BR rent$1,300$1,350
Groceries$361$357
Transport$42$90
Utilities$162$175
Internet$60$65
Left after essentials$2,541$2,704

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston cheaper than Fayetteville?

No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 86 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). That's about 10% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Fayetteville to Houston?

On a $75K salary, moving from Fayetteville to Houston saves roughly $225/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,700/year.

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

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fayetteville, you'd need roughly $82,849/year in Houston. This is based on the overall COL index difference.

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