Moving from Wilmington to Fayetteville (2026)
Fayetteville has a COL index of 84 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Fayetteville to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Fayetteville |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,129 |
| $50K | $45,161 |
| $60K | $54,194 |
| $75K | $67,742 |
| $80K | $72,258 |
| $100K | $90,323 |
| $120K | $108,387 |
| $150K | $135,484 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Fayetteville
| Expense | Wilmington | Fayetteville |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $372 | $353 |
| Transport | $45 | $42 |
| Utilities | $158 | $148 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,658 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $386 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Wilmington — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fayetteville cheaper than Wilmington?
Yes. Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 84 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Fayetteville?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Fayetteville saves roughly $350/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,200/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 $67,742/year in Fayetteville. 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 · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only