Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Gilbert is 10% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$2,028/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↓ 6%
$121,351/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↓ 12%
$518,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 37%
$1,908/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 4%
271,118
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $118/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $1,416/year.

Median household income is $13,979/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Gilbert or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $118/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $13,979/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Scottsdale details →

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