Rock Hill, SC vs. Gastonia, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Rock Hill, SC and the nearby city of Gastonia, NC. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two cities in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Rock Hill and Gastonia compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Rock Hill | Gastonia |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,100 | $950 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $280,000 | $250,000 |
🏆 Winner: Gastonia. Housing costs tend to be 10-15% lower in Gastonia compared to Rock Hill.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Rock Hill, expect to pay around $150/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Costs may be slightly higher in summer due to air conditioning.
In Gastonia, similar utility costs average about $140/month. Both cities offer optional programs like off-peak electricity plans to help manage costs.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery budget in Rock Hill is around $800-1,000. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional meals out.
In Gastonia, groceries and restaurant prices tend to be about 5% lower. Budget $750-950/month for similar grocery and dining habits.
🏆 Winner: Gastonia. The difference is minor, but Gastonia does have slightly lower food costs on average.
4. Taxes and Fees
Rock Hill’s property tax rate is 0.468%, meaning a $280K home would owe around $1,310 per year. Many neighborhoods also have HOA fees, typically $100-300/month, which often include amenities like trash service and landscaping.
In Gastonia, the property tax rate is 0.52%, or $1,300 annually for a $250K home. HOA fees are similar to Rock Hill, averaging $100-250/month.
🏆 Winner: Rock Hill. While property taxes are slightly higher in Gastonia, the lower home prices still give Rock Hill an overall cost advantage.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Rock Hill | Gastonia |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $280,000 | $250,000 |
| Utilities | $150 | $140 |
| Groceries | $800 | $750 |
| Transportation | $300 | $275 |
| Taxes (Property) | $1,310 | $1,300 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $450 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,060 | $2,765 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Gastonia has a lower overall cost of living, Rock Hill offers some lifestyle advantages:
- Newer housing and amenities
- Slightly shorter commute to Charlotte (25 min vs 30 min)
- More walkable downtown area
However, Gastonia boasts more affordable housing, lower noise levels, and easy mountain access for outdoor recreation. Gastonia averages 5°F cooler than Rock Hill in July.
7. FAQ
- Is Rock Hill more affordable than Gastonia? Slightly more expensive overall, but with some higher-end amenities.
- Which city has lower rent? Gastonia, by about 10-15%.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Gastonia. The median price is $30,000 less than Rock Hill.
8. Conclusion
For those prioritizing affordability, Gastonia offers lower housing costs and slightly cheaper living overall. However, Rock Hill can be a great fit for families wanting newer homes and amenities closer to Charlotte.
Budgets are highly personal, so it’s important to consider your own lifestyle and spending habits too. For a more detailed look, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Rock Hill Residents or our comprehensive Cost of Living in Rock Hill (2025 Guide).