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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Mesa is 28% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,478/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 37%
$78,779/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 54%
$364,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 42%
$1,404/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 36%
507,478
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $550/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $6,600/year.

Median household income is $42,572/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Mesa or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Gilbert?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $550/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Gilbert?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $42,572/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 Mesa or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Gilbert details →

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