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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Downey

California
169

Gilbert is 12% cheaper than Downey.

$2,028/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 7%
$121,351/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 28%
$518,600 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 40%
$1,908/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 5%
271,118
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $33,951/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Downey — common questions

Is Gilbert or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Downey?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Downey?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $33,951/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Downey details →

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