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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Long Beach is 14% more expensive than Gilbert.

$1,803/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 12%
$83,969/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 45%
$762,200 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$518,600 ↓ 32%
$1,890/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ≈ Same
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $37,382/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Long Beach or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Gilbert?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Gilbert?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $37,382/year higher in Gilbert.
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 Long Beach or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Gilbert details →

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