Gaston, NC vs Haw River, NC

Gaston is moderately more affordable than Haw River, with a 14.9% lower cost of living index. Gaston scores 60 compared to 71 for Haw River, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Haw River can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Gaston is $688/month compared to $870/month in Haw River — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gaston is more affordable at $76,300 median vs $142,200.

Median household income in Gaston is $41,250 compared to $67,366 in Haw River (-38.8%). While Haw River is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gaston spend roughly 20% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Haw River.