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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Gilbert is 25% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$2,028/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 23%
$121,351/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↓ 1%
$518,600 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 39%
$1,908/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 39%
271,118
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $458/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $5,496/year.

Median household income is $1,425/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Gilbert or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $458/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $1,425/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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Gilbert and Santa Clarita

Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge