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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Sacramento is 11% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,694/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 20%
$83,753/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 45%
$484,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 7%
$1,752/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 9%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $334/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $4,008/year.

Median household income is $37,598/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Sacramento or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Gilbert?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $334/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Gilbert?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $37,598/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 Sacramento or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Gilbert details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Gilbert

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Gilbert vs. Chula Vista Gilbert vs. North Las Vegas Gilbert vs. Madison Gilbert vs. Reno Gilbert vs. Buffalo Gilbert vs. Toledo