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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Gilbert is 35% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$2,028/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 18%
$121,351/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 9%
$518,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 103%
$1,908/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 29%
271,118
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $367/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $4,404/year.

Median household income is $11,278/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Gilbert or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $367/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $11,278/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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Costa Mesa

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria