Median rent is 13% lower in Gastonia ($1,145/mo vs $1,311/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gastonia, where the median home runs $250,000 versus $352,900. Households earn more in Albany ($73,809 vs $60,554 a year). Taken together, Albany is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.6 against 96.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Albany, OR.
City A
Albany, OR
City B
Gastonia, NC
How much would you need to earn in Gastonia, NC to maintain your standard of living from Albany, OR?
Equivalent salary in Gastonia, NC
$75,159
You'd need $159 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
Oregon
Gastonia
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Gastonia at $1,145/mo compared to $1,311/mo in Albany (13% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Albany: the median home is $352,900 versus $250,000 in Gastonia — 29% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Gastonia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 4.75% in North Carolina; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Gastonia
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Albany if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,809/yr).
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Albany cheaper than Gastonia?
Albany is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 96.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Albany.
How much is rent in Albany vs Gastonia?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Albany, OR and $1,145/mo in Gastonia, NC. Gastonia, NC has the lower rent by about 13%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Gastonia?
Median household income is $73,809 in Albany, OR and $60,554 in Gastonia, NC. Albany, OR has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Gastonia?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Gastonia, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Gastonia to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, OR is equivalent to roughly $100,212 in Gastonia, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology