Gastonia, NC vs. Concord, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Gastonia vs Concord. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Gastonia vs Concord in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Gastonia and Concord compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Gastonia | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,050 | $1,250 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,400 | $1,650 |
🏆 Winner: Gastonia. Housing costs an average of $225 less per month in Gastonia compared to Concord.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs can vary based on home size, energy usage, and season. In Gastonia and Concord, expect monthly utility bills around:
- Gastonia: $180-$250
- Concord: $200-$280
Both cities experience hot summers and cool winters, so budget for higher A/C and heating bills in peak months.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia, but utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Gastonia residents might save around $20 per month.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a typical family, groceries in Gastonia cost about 5% less than in Concord. Eating out is also slightly cheaper.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia. Expect to spend $50-$100 less on food each month in Gastonia compared to Concord.
Taxes and Fees
Gastonia has lower property taxes than Concord: 0.87% vs 0.93% of assessed value. For a $250K home, that’s a difference of $150 per year.
In Gastonia, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while Concord residents may pay separately for those services.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia, due to its lower property tax rate and bundled HOA fees. The exact impact depends on your home value and neighborhood.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Gastonia | Concord |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,400 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $220 | $240 |
| Groceries | $500 | $550 |
| Transportation | $200 | $180 |
| Taxes | 0.87% | 0.93% |
| Misc | $250 | $280 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,570 | $2,900 |
Lifestyle Fit
Gastonia offers more affordable living, but Concord has advantages like:
- Shorter commute to Charlotte jobs
- More walkable downtown
- Slightly milder summer weather
Gastonia is about 5°F hotter than Concord in July. But Gastonia has more parks and green space for outdoor recreation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gastonia more affordable than Concord? Yes, Gastonia has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rent prices are about 15% lower in Gastonia than Concord.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Gastonia has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers.
Conclusion
Gastonia is the clear winner for affordability, with lower costs for housing, food, and taxes. A household moving from Concord to Gastonia might save $400/month on living expenses.
However, Concord may be worth the extra cost for some lifestyles. Its location and amenities suit commuters and urbanites.
The best choice depends on your budget, housing needs, and personal preferences. For more insights, read our Monthly Budget Examples for Gastonia Residents and Cost of Living in Gastonia (2025 Guide).