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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Gilbert is 14% more expensive than Palmdale.

$2,028/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 14%
$121,351/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 33%
$518,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 16%
$1,908/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 4%
271,118
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $40,200/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Gilbert or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Palmdale?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Palmdale?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $40,200/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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Palmdale

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona