CostIndexUSA

Ann Arbor, MI vs Fayetteville, NC Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

MI
Ann Arbor
100.9
overall index
$2,050/mo rent
More AffordableNC
Fayetteville
92
overall index
$1,475/mo rent

Fayetteville is moderately cheaper than Ann Arbor — 8.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Ann Arbor, you would need $72,900 in Fayetteville. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing41.7%
Ann Arbor
125.3
Fayetteville
73.1
🛒 Groceries+3.1%
Ann Arbor
93.7
Fayetteville
96.6
🚗 Transportation1.3%
Ann Arbor
104.5
Fayetteville
103.1
🏥 Healthcare1.4%
Ann Arbor
94.6
Fayetteville
93.3
Utilities10.6%
Ann Arbor
98.2
Fayetteville
87.8

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Ann Arbor to see what you'd need to earn in Fayetteville to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Fayetteville, NC
$72,900
$7,100 less needed in Fayetteville

Formula: salary × (92 ÷ 100.9) = salary × 0.9118. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Ann Arbor, MI

Median Home Price
$398,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,050
Housing Index
125.3
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.2×

Fayetteville, NC

Median Home Price
$251,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,475
Housing Index
73.1
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.2×

Ann Arbor has 41.7% lower housing costs compared to Fayetteville.

Income & Job Market

Ann Arbor, MI

Median Household Income
$83,800
Per Capita Income
$47,800
Unemployment Rate
3.3%
Population
123,851
Top Industries
EducationTechnologyHealthcareManufacturingResearch

Fayetteville, NC

Median Household Income
$61,200
Per Capita Income
$34,900
Unemployment Rate
6.5%
Population
208,501
Top Industries
MilitaryHealthcareRetailGovernmentManufacturing

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Ann Arbor, MI
3.4×income-to-rent ratio

71% of income left after rent (median)

Fayetteville, NC
3.5×income-to-rent ratio

71% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.