Is Columbus, OH cheaper than Gastonia, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Columbus, OH is 2.2% cheaper than Gastonia, NC. This translates to saving $168 per month.

What salary do I need in Columbus, OH to live like I do in Gastonia, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Gastonia, NC, you'd need approximately $147,982.68 in Columbus, OH to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gastonia, NC and Columbus, OH?

Housing in Columbus, OH is 2.6% cheaper than in Gastonia, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,315/month in Columbus, OH compared to $1,049/month in Gastonia, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Gastonia, NC to Columbus, OH?

Moving from Gastonia, NC to Columbus, OH could save you approximately $168 per month, or $2017 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gastonia, NC vs Columbus, OH: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Gastonia, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Charlotte, NC area

Current salary in Gastonia, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $168/month moving to Columbus, OH

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.0K in Columbus, OH

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$168

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.0K

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

Columbus, OH

Population:906K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$263K

Gastonia, NC

The Tar Heel State

84K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Columbus, OH

The Buckeye State

906K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Ohio, this city has a population of 906K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gastonia, NC vs Columbus, OH

Category	Gastonia, NC	Columbus, OH	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,141/mo	$1,366/mo	↑ $225more	19.7%
📦Other	$1,621/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $63.77less	3.9%
🏠Housing	$2,109/mo	$2,053/mo	↓ $55.84less	2.6%
⚡All Utilities	$506/mo	$464/mo	↓ $41.26less	8.2%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$607/mo	↓ $14.53less	2.3%
🛒Groceries	$964/mo	$969/mo	↑ $5.52more	0.6%

🚗Transportation

↑ 19.7%

Gastonia, NC

$1,141

Columbus, OH

$1,366

Difference

$225

📦Other

↓ 3.9%

Gastonia, NC

$1,621

Columbus, OH

$1,557

Difference

$63.77

less

🏠Housing

↓ 2.6%

Gastonia, NC

$2,109

Columbus, OH

$2,053

Difference

$55.84

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.2%

Gastonia, NC

$506

Columbus, OH

$464

Difference

$41.26

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.3%

Gastonia, NC

$622

Columbus, OH

$607

Difference

$14.53

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 0.6%

Gastonia, NC

$964

Columbus, OH

$969

Difference

$5.52

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Columbus, OH: Columbus Municipal Income Tax$3,750/yr (2.5%)

Gastonia, NC has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$912

To$1,020

↑ $108

1 Bed

From$960

To$1,100

↑ $140

2 Bed

From$1,049

To$1,315

↑ $266

3 Bed

From$1,291

To$1,575

↑ $284

Gastonia, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,160–$1,370/mo

Columbus, OHZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,790/mo

💡 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

$7,017

Monthly in Columbus, OH

$55.21

Difference

Home Values

Gastonia

Columbus

$266K

Median Value

$263K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +42.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +28.8%

$209K - $346K

Price Range

$95K - $406K

Homes in Columbus are 1% less expensive than Gastonia

Calculate payment - Gastonia Calculate payment - Columbus

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$225

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

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

Columbus, OH

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Ohio State Tax

Effective: 3.0%

$4.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.6%

$41.4K

Take-Home Pay

$9,047/month

$108.6K

Additional Tax Information

Gastonia, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Columbus, OH Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

Property Tax:1.6%

💡 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.