Moving from Fayetteville to Houston (2026)

Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 84 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 13% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$131 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
84 โ†’ 95
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200 โ†’ $1,350
per month
State tax
4.5% โ†’ None
income tax
COL difference
84 โ†’ 95
13% more expensive

Salary needed in Houston to match your Fayetteville lifestyle

Based on the 13% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in FayettevilleEquivalent in Houston
$40K$45,238
$50K$56,548
$60K$67,857
$75K$84,821
$80K$90,476
$100K$113,095
$120K$135,714
$150K$169,643

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$236/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

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

ExpenseFayettevilleHouston
Monthly take-home$4,459$4,741
1BR rent$1,200$1,350
Groceries$353$357
Transport$42$90
Utilities$148$175
Internet$58$65
Left after essentials$2,658$2,704

Frequently asked questions

Is Houston cheaper than Fayetteville?

No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 84 for Fayetteville (100 = US average). That's about 13% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Fayetteville to Houston?

On a $75K salary, moving from Fayetteville to Houston saves roughly $131/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,572/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 $84,821/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