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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Gilbert is 23% more expensive than Tempe.

$2,028/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 20%
$121,351/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 36%
$518,600 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 19%
$1,908/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 19%
271,118
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $405/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $4,860/year.

Median household income is $43,708/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Tempe — common questions

Is Gilbert or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Tempe?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $405/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Tempe?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $43,708/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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Gilbert details → View Tempe details →

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