Clayton, NC vs Gastonia, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Gastonia is 17.8% cheaper than Clayton. With a cost index of 89 vs 105, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Gastonia to Clayton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clayton is $1,542/month compared to $1,145/month in Gastonia — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gastonia is more affordable at $250,000 median vs $292,400.

Median household income in Clayton is $73,348 compared to $60,554 in Gastonia (+21.1%). While Clayton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clayton spend roughly 25.2% of their income on rent, more than the 22.7% in Gastonia.