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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Gilbert is 36% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$2,028/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 29%
$121,351/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 47%
$518,600 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 26%
$1,908/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 23%
271,118
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $595/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $7,140/year.

Median household income is $57,363/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Gilbert or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $595/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $57,363/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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View San Bernardino details →

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