Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Raleigh is 26% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,468/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 38%
$82,424/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 47%
$377,800 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 37%
$1,487/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 28%
470,763
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $38,927/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Raleigh or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Gilbert?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Gilbert?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $38,927/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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