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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Gilbert is 35% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$2,028/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 20%
$121,351/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↓ 1%
$518,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 102%
$1,908/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 28%
271,118
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $396/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $4,752/year.

Median household income is $1,466/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Gilbert or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $396/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $1,466/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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Huntington Beach details →

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