Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Gilbert is 78% more expensive than Athens.

$2,028/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 43%
$121,351/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 57%
$518,600 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 48%
$1,908/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 39%
271,118
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $866/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $10,392/year.

Median household income is $69,696/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Athens — common questions

Is Gilbert or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Athens?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $866/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Athens?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $69,696/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Georgia?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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