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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Gilbert is 41% cheaper than Berkeley.

$2,028/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 5%
$121,351/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 11%
$518,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 161%
$1,908/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 23%
271,118
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $12,793/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Gilbert or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Berkeley?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Berkeley?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $12,793/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Berkeley details →

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