Median rent is 16% lower in Gastonia ($1,145/mo vs $1,365/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gastonia, where the median home runs $250,000 versus $327,600. Households earn more in Concord ($84,752 vs $60,554 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.8).
City A
Concord, NC
City B
Gastonia, NC
How much would you need to earn in Gastonia, NC to maintain your standard of living from Concord, NC?
Equivalent salary in Gastonia, NC
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Concord
North Carolina
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 $1,365/mo in Concord (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Concord: the median home is $327,600 versus $250,000 in Gastonia — 24% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Gastonia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.75% in North Carolina; Gastonia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Concord
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Gastonia
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Concord if you prioritize higher median household income ($84,752/yr).
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,145/mo median).
Is Concord cheaper than Gastonia?
Concord 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 Concord.
How much is rent in Concord vs Gastonia?
Median rent is $1,365/mo in Concord, NC and $1,145/mo in Gastonia, NC. Gastonia, NC has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Concord or Gastonia?
Median household income is $84,752 in Concord, NC and $60,554 in Gastonia, NC. Concord, NC 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 — Concord or Gastonia?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Gastonia, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Gastonia to match my Concord income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Concord, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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