Median rent is 17% lower in Gastonia ($1,145/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gastonia, where the median home runs $250,000 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $60,554 a year). Taken together, Gastonia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 105.7 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Gastonia is 8% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.8 in Gastonia vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Gastonia, NC
How much would you need to earn in Gastonia, NC to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Gastonia, NC
$68,672
You could earn $6,328 less (8% lower) and break even.
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
Chicago
Illinois
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 $1,380/mo in Chicago (17% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $250,000 in Gastonia — 21% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Gastonia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 4.75% in North Carolina; Gastonia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Gastonia
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Gastonia.
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Gastonia?
Gastonia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Gastonia.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Gastonia?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,145/mo in Gastonia, NC. Gastonia, NC has the lower rent by about 17%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Gastonia?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $60,554 in Gastonia, NC. Chicago, IL 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 — Chicago or Gastonia?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Gastonia, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Gastonia to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $91,562 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