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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Los Angeles is 26% more expensive than Gilbert.

$1,879/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 8%
$80,366/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 51%
$879,500 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$518,600 ↓ 41%
$2,055/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↓ 7%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Los Angeles, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $40,985/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Gilbert?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Gilbert?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $40,985/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 Los Angeles or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Gilbert details →

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