Median rent is 10% lower in Gulfport ($1,086/mo vs $1,204/mo). Buying is cheaper in Gulfport, where the median home runs $174,600 versus $277,600. Households earn more in Gastonia ($64,059 vs $49,919 a year). Taken together, Gulfport is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 97.3 against 97.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Gastonia, NC.
City A
Gastonia, NC
City B
Gulfport, MS
How much would you need to earn in Gulfport, MS to maintain your standard of living from Gastonia, NC?
Equivalent salary in Gulfport, MS
$74,988
You could earn $12 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
Gastonia
North Carolina
Gulfport
Mississippi
👥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 Gulfport at $1,086/mo compared to $1,204/mo in Gastonia (10% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Gastonia: the median home is $277,600 versus $174,600 in Gulfport — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Gastonia
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Gulfport
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Gastonia if you prioritize higher median household income ($64,059/yr).
Is Gastonia cheaper than Gulfport?
Gulfport is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 97.3 versus 97.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Gulfport.
How much is rent in Gastonia vs Gulfport?
Median rent is $1,204/mo in Gastonia, NC and $1,086/mo in Gulfport, MS. Gulfport, MS has the lower rent by about 10%.
Which has higher salaries — Gastonia or Gulfport?
Median household income is $64,059 in Gastonia, NC and $49,919 in Gulfport, MS. 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 — Gastonia or Gulfport?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Gulfport to match my Gastonia income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Gastonia, NC is equivalent to roughly $99,985 in Gulfport, MS (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
