Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Gastonia, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 5.5% cheaper than Gastonia, NC. This translates to saving $413 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Gastonia, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Gastonia, NC, you'd need approximately $145,049.924 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gastonia, NC and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 7.6% cheaper than in Gastonia, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,049/month in Gastonia, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Gastonia, NC to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Gastonia, NC to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $413 per month, or $4950 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gastonia, NC vs Indianapolis, IN: 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 $413/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $145.0K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 5.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$413

Savings

Annual Impact

$5.0K

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:94

Median Home:$176K

Gastonia, NC

The Tar Heel State

84K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gastonia, NC vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Gastonia, NC	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,109/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $160less	7.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,141/mo	$1,188/mo	↑ $47.51more	4.2%
🛒Groceries	$964/mo	$919/mo	↓ $44.45less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$622/mo	$582/mo	↓ $39.31less	6.3%
📦Other	$1,621/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $30.28less	1.9%
⚡All Utilities	$506/mo	$503/mo	↓ $3.01less	0.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.6%

Gastonia, NC

$2,109

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$160

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.2%

Gastonia, NC

$1,141

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$47.51

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Gastonia, NC

$964

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$44.45

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.3%

Gastonia, NC

$622

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$39.31

less

📦Other

↓ 1.9%

Gastonia, NC

$1,621

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$30.28

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 0.6%

Gastonia, NC

$506

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$3.01

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

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$1,030

↑ $118

1 Bed

From$960

To$1,170

↑ $210

2 Bed

From$1,049

To$1,360

↑ $311

3 Bed

From$1,291

To$1,760

↑ $469

Gastonia, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,160–$1,370/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$229

Difference

Home Values

Gastonia

Indianapolis

$266K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +42.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$209K - $346K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 34% less expensive than Gastonia

Calculate payment - Gastonia Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$190

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Gastonia, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.