Gastonia, NC vs. Rock Hill, SC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Gastonia vs Rock Hill. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Gastonia vs Rock Hill in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Gastonia and Rock Hill compare for typical housing:
| Housing Type | Gastonia | Rock Hill |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $950 | $1,100 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $1,350 | $1,550 |
🏆 Winner: Gastonia, with lower costs for both renting and buying.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. In Gastonia, expect to pay around $180/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Rock Hill utilities average about $200/month.
Both cities have hot summers and mild winters. Gastonia’s electricity rates are slightly lower, while Rock Hill has better public utility programs.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For groceries and everyday items, Gastonia comes out ahead. Expect to spend about 15% less on food and household goods compared to Rock Hill.
A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Gastonia vs $4 in Rock Hill. A basic lunch out runs about $12 in Gastonia compared to $14 in Rock Hill.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia has noticeably lower costs for groceries and daily expenses.
Taxes and Fees
Gastonia’s property tax rate is 0.87% vs Rock Hill at 0.95%. For a $250K home, that’s a difference of $200/year.
Both cities have additional local fees, such as vehicle taxes and waste fees. Rock Hill’s tend to be slightly higher across the board.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia, with a lower property tax rate and city fees.
Cost Summary
| Category | Gastonia | Rock Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $460 |
| Transportation | $300 | $325 |
| Taxes and Fees (monthly) | $350 | $400 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,080 | $3,435 |
Figures above are estimates based on pre-tax monthly income. Read our [Monthly Budget Examples for Gastonia Residents](/gastonia-nc/monthly-budget/) for more details.
Lifestyle Fit
Gastonia offers a small-town feel with more space for the money. Expect easier parking, lower traffic, and a tight-knit community vibe. Downsides include fewer walkable areas and longer commutes.
Rock Hill has more of a suburban feel with closer access to Charlotte’s city amenities. It has more public transport, but also more traffic and noise.
Gastonia averages 5°F cooler than Rock Hill in the summer. Both cities get a few inches of snow in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gastonia more affordable than Rock Hill? Yes, Gastonia has a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing, groceries, and taxes.
- Which city has lower rent? Gastonia rents are about 15% lower on average compared to similar apartments in Rock Hill.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Gastonia has lower home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers.
Conclusion
Gastonia comes out ahead for overall affordability, with lower costs across housing, food, and taxes. It’s a great fit for families looking for more space on a budget.
However, Rock Hill offers easier access to Charlotte and more suburban conveniences, for a slightly higher cost of living. It’s ideal for commuters who value amenities.
Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life for the price. We recommend visiting each and reading our [Cost of Living in Gastonia (2025 Guide)](/gastonia-nc/cost-overview/) for more insights.