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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Gilbert is 15% cheaper than Murrieta.

$2,028/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 15%
$121,351/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↓ 10%
$518,600 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 17%
$1,908/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 25%
271,118
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $11,571/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Gilbert or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Murrieta?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Murrieta?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $11,571/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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Murrieta details →

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