Cost of Living in Gastonia, NC
Population 81,632 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Gastonia cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $250,000, rents near $1,145 a month.
Located 20 miles west of Charlotte, Gastonia falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Charlotte's $352,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gastonia
The median home value in Gastonia is $250,000 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,145/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,554/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 73.0°F and lows of 51.3°F. Overall, Gastonia has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 53 | 58 | 65 | 74 | 81 | 88 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 74 | 64 | 56 |
| Low °F | 33 | 36 | 42 | 50 | 58 | 67 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 51 | 41 | 36 |
| Precip" | 3.34 | 3.28 | 3.94 | 3.88 | 3.46 | 4.21 | 3.47 | 3.95 | 3.75 | 3.29 | 3.30 | 3.44 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gastonia, NC?
Gastonia has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gastonia, NC?
The median gross rent in Gastonia is $1,145 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gastonia?
The median home value in Gastonia is $250,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gastonia?
The median household income in Gastonia is $60,554 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gastonia, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gastonia is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Gastonia, NC affordable?
Yes, Gastonia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Gastonia?
Gastonia has average high temperatures of 73.0°F and average lows of 51.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Gastonia at a Glance
- Population
- 81,632
- Median Income
- $60,554
- Home Value
- $250,000
- Median Rent
- $1,145/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 73.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs