Median rent is 27% lower in Gastonia ($1,145/mo vs $1,562/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gastonia, where the median home runs $250,000 versus $420,700. Households earn more in Colorado Springs ($83,198 vs $60,554 a year). Taken together, Gastonia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 96.8 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Colorado Springs, CO.
City A
Colorado Springs, CO
City B
Gastonia, NC
How much would you need to earn in Gastonia, NC to maintain your standard of living from Colorado Springs, CO?
Equivalent salary in Gastonia, NC
$74,961
You could earn $39 less (0% 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
Colorado Springs
Colorado
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Gastonia — median rent of $1,145/mo versus $1,562/mo in Colorado Springs, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Colorado Springs: the median home is $420,700 versus $250,000 in Gastonia — 41% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Colorado's top income tax rate is 4.40% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Colorado Springs is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 2.90% in Colorado and 4.75% in North Carolina; Colorado Springs has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Colorado Springs
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 2.90%
Gastonia
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Colorado Springs (avg AQI 34.0) but not yet for Gastonia.
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize higher median household income ($83,198/yr).
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Pick Colorado Springs if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.40%).
Is Colorado Springs cheaper than Gastonia?
Gastonia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 96.8 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Gastonia.
How much is rent in Colorado Springs vs Gastonia?
Median rent is $1,562/mo in Colorado Springs, CO and $1,145/mo in Gastonia, NC. Gastonia, NC has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Colorado Springs or Gastonia?
Median household income is $83,198 in Colorado Springs, CO and $60,554 in Gastonia, NC. Colorado Springs, CO 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 — Colorado Springs or Gastonia?
Colorado's top income tax rate is 4.40% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Colorado Springs, CO has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Gastonia to match my Colorado Springs income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Colorado Springs, CO is equivalent to roughly $99,947 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