Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Gilbert is 27% cheaper than Arlington.

$2,028/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 12%
$121,351/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 15%
$518,600 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 67%
$1,908/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 27%
271,118
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $18,809/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Arlington — common questions

Is Gilbert or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Arlington?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Arlington?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $18,809/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Virginia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Arlington details →

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