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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Irvine is 73% more expensive than Gilbert.

$2,893/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↓ 30%
$129,647/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↓ 6%
$1,115,400 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$518,600 ↓ 54%
$2,904/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↓ 34%
308,160
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $865/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $10,380/year.

Median household income is $8,296/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Irvine or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Gilbert?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $865/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Gilbert?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $8,296/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Gilbert details →

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