Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Gilbert is 5% more expensive than Lakewood.

$2,028/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 14%
$121,351/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 29%
$518,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 6%
$1,908/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 9%
271,118
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $282/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $3,384/year.

Median household income is $35,562/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Gilbert or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Lakewood?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $282/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Lakewood?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $35,562/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Colorado?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Lakewood

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield