Moving from Wilmington to Fayetteville (2026)
Fayetteville has a COL index of 86 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Fayetteville to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Fayetteville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,989 |
| $50K | $46,237 |
| $60K | $55,484 |
| $75K | $69,355 |
| $80K | $73,978 |
| $100K | $92,473 |
| $120K | $110,968 |
| $150K | $138,710 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Fayetteville
| Expense | Wilmington | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,466 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,300 |
| Groceries | $372 | $361 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $158 | $162 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,541 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Fayetteville cheaper than Wilmington?
Yes. Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 86 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Fayetteville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Fayetteville could save roughly $262/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,144/year.
What salary do I need in Fayetteville to match my Wilmington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $69,355/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