Gastonia, NC

Below Avg · 81

North Carolina · Population 81,632 · Updated March 2026

$1,145
Median Rent / Month
$60,554
Median Income
$250,000
Median Home Value
$1,173
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Gastonia

22.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$13,740
Annual Rent
$2,725
State Income Tax
$2,000
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Gastonia is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 81 (where 100 equals the national median), Gastonia residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,145/month while earning a median household income of $60,554/year.

The median home value in Gastonia, NC is $250,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,173 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Gastonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Gastonia

What is the cost of living in Gastonia, NC?
The cost of living index in Gastonia, NC is 81 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,145, median household income is $60,554/year, and the median home value is $250,000.
Is Gastonia, NC affordable?
Yes, Gastonia is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 81. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Gastonia, NC?
The median gross rent in Gastonia, NC is $1,145 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $13,740.
What is the median household income in Gastonia?
The median household income in Gastonia, NC is $60,554 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.