Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Boston is 19% more expensive than Gilbert.

$2,093/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↓ 3%
$94,755/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 28%
$710,400 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$518,600 ↓ 27%
$2,176/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↓ 12%
663,972
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $26,596/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Boston or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Gilbert?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Gilbert?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $26,596/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Arizona?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Gilbert details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Gilbert

Boston vs. Washington Boston vs. Las Vegas Boston vs. El Paso Boston vs. Portland Boston vs. Nashville Boston vs. Detroit Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo