Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Fresno is 32% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,324/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 53%
$66,804/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 82%
$348,500 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 49%
$1,391/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 37%
543,615
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $704/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $8,448/year.

Median household income is $54,547/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Fresno or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Gilbert?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $704/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Gilbert?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $54,547/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Gilbert details →

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