Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Austin is 9% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,655/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 23%
$91,461/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 33%
$512,700 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 1%
$1,747/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 9%
967,862
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $29,890/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Austin or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Gilbert?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Gilbert?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $29,890/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Austin details → View Gilbert details →

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