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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Gilbert is 19% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,028/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 16%
$121,351/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 37%
$518,600 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 21%
$1,908/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 8%
271,118
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $332/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $3,984/year.

Median household income is $45,268/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Gilbert or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Lancaster?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $332/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Lancaster?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $45,268/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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Lancaster

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale