Median rent is 9% lower in El Paso ($1,041/mo vs $1,145/mo). Buying is cheaper in El Paso, where the median home runs $171,700 versus $250,000. Households earn more in Gastonia ($60,554 vs $58,734 a year). Taken together, Gastonia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 97.1 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Gastonia, NC.
City A
El Paso, TX
City B
Gastonia, NC
How much would you need to earn in Gastonia, NC to maintain your standard of living from El Paso, TX?
Equivalent salary in Gastonia, NC
$74,772
You could earn $228 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
El Paso
Texas
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 El Paso at $1,041/mo compared to $1,145/mo in Gastonia (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Gastonia: the median home is $250,000 versus $171,700 in El Paso — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while North Carolina tops out at 4.50% — giving El Paso a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 4.75% in North Carolina; Gastonia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
El Paso
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Gastonia
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for El Paso (avg AQI 153.0) but not yet for Gastonia.
Pick El Paso if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is El Paso cheaper than Gastonia?
Gastonia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 97.1 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Gastonia.
How much is rent in El Paso vs Gastonia?
Median rent is $1,041/mo in El Paso, TX and $1,145/mo in Gastonia, NC. El Paso, TX has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — El Paso or Gastonia?
Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso, TX and $60,554 in Gastonia, NC. Gastonia, 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 — El Paso or Gastonia?
Texas has no state income tax. North Carolina has a top rate of 4.50%.
What salary do I need in Gastonia to match my El Paso income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in El Paso, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,696 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