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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Gilbert is 11% cheaper than Fairfield.

$2,028/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 8%
$121,351/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 16%
$518,600 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 14%
$1,908/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 17%
271,118
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $163/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $1,956/year.

Median household income is $19,030/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Gilbert or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Fairfield?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $163/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Fairfield?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $19,030/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

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