Cost of Living: Houston, TX vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Houston is 41% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,313/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 54%
$62,894/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 93%
$253,400 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 105%
$1,316/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 45%
2,300,419
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $58,457/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Houston or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Gilbert?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Gilbert?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $58,457/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Arizona?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Houston or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/mo, while Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with rent of $2,028/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Houston details → View Gilbert details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Gilbert

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo