Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Gilbert is 17% more expensive than Tacoma.

$2,028/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 21%
$121,351/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 31%
$518,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 12%
$1,908/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 8%
271,118
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
0%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $431/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $5,172/year.

Median household income is $37,494/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Arizona's 2.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Gilbert or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Tacoma?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $431/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Tacoma?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $37,494/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Washington?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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