Gilbert, AZ vs Santa Maria, CA: 148 vs 137

$2,028/mo ↑ 10%

Median Rent

$1,842/mo ↓ 9%

$121,351/yr ↑ 43%

Median Income

$84,617/yr ↓ 30%

$518,600 ↑ 8%

Home Value

$478,200 ↓ 8%

$1,908/mo ↑ 7%

Owner Costs

$1,789/mo ↓ 6%

271,118

Population

109,880

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $186/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $2,232/year.

Median household income is $36,734/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Gilbert or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 148 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Santa Maria?

Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $186/month.

Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Santa Maria?

Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $36,734/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 Maria?

It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Gilbert

Santa Maria

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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