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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Gilbert is 12% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$2,028/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 7%
$121,351/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$122,229/yr ≈ Same
$518,600 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 16%
$1,908/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 17%
271,118
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $878/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Gilbert or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $878/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Elk Grove

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem