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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

๐Ÿ“ Gastonia, NC โ€” ZIP-level rent data ยท COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

$

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You'd spend $402/month more in Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.8K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates ยท COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area
Overall Cost
โ†‘ 5.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$402
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$4.8K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Gastonia, NC

Population:84K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$266K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K
Cost Index:105
Median Home:$399K

Gastonia, NC

The Tar Heel State

84K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 84K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • โ€ขMajor banking center
  • โ€ขNASCAR headquarters
  • โ€ขQueen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gastonia, NC vs Charlotte, NC

๐Ÿ Housing
โ†‘ 17.1%
Gastonia, NC
$2,109
Charlotte, NC
$2,469
Difference
$360
more
๐Ÿ“ฆOther
โ†‘ 5.4%
Gastonia, NC
$1,621
Charlotte, NC
$1,707
Difference
$86.90
more
๐Ÿš—Transportation
โ†‘ 5.4%
Gastonia, NC
$1,141
Charlotte, NC
$1,202
Difference
$61.17
more
๐Ÿ›’Groceries
โ†‘ 2.6%
Gastonia, NC
$964
Charlotte, NC
$989
Difference
$25.50
more
๐ŸฅHealthcare
โ†‘ 2.6%
Gastonia, NC
$622
Charlotte, NC
$638
Difference
$16.45
more
โšกAll Utilities
โ†‘ 2.6%
Gastonia, NC
$506
Charlotte, NC
$519
Difference
$13.38
more

๐Ÿ Rent Comparison

Studio
From$912
To$1,630
โ†‘ $718
1 Bed
From$960
To$1,710
โ†‘ $750
2 Bed
From$1,049
To$1,870
โ†‘ $821
3 Bed
From$1,291
To$2,300
โ†‘ $1,009
Gastonia, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,160โ€“$1,370/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340โ€“$2,310/mo

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,962
Monthly in Gastonia, NC
$7,525
Monthly in Charlotte, NC
$563
Difference

Home Values

Gastonia
Charlotte
$266K
Median Value
$399K
โ†“ -0.1%
YoY Change
โ†“ -1.1%
โ†‘ +42.8%
5-Year Change
โ†‘ +40.8%
$209K - $346K
Price Range
$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 50% more expensive than Gastonia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
โ†’ $0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Gastonia, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
North Carolina State Tax
Effective: 4.8%
$7.1K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.4%
$44.1K
Take-Home Pay
$8,822/month
$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Gastonia, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%
Property Tax:0.8%

๐Ÿ’ก Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Gastonia
Charlotte
51 Moderate
Air Quality
51 Moderate
46.2%
Good Air Days
46.2%
97 High
Climate Risk
97 High
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
Top Hazards
๐ŸŒŠ๐ŸŒช๐Ÿ’จ
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
36 days
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
2050 Outlook
โ–ฒ+2.9ยฐF
36 days
Heat Days >95ยฐF
36 days

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