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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Modesto

California
120

Gilbert is 23% more expensive than Modesto.

$2,028/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 21%
$121,351/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 36%
$518,600 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 20%
$1,908/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 15%
271,118
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $43,452/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Modesto — common questions

Is Gilbert or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Modesto?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Modesto?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $43,452/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Modesto

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