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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Gilbert is 52% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$2,028/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 47%
$121,351/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 43%
$518,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 195%
$1,908/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 60%
271,118
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $957/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $11,484/year.

Median household income is $52,319/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Gilbert or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $957/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $52,319/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Santa Clara

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville