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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Gilbert is 33% cheaper than Pasadena.

$2,028/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 9%
$121,351/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 14%
$518,600 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 102%
$1,908/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 23%
271,118
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $17,573/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Gilbert or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Pasadena?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Pasadena?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $17,573/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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