Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Philadelphia is 43% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,323/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 53%
$60,698/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 100%
$232,400 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 123%
$1,233/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 55%
1,582,432
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $705/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $8,460/year.

Median household income is $60,653/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Gilbert?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $705/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Gilbert?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $60,653/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Arizona?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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