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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

San Diego is 33% more expensive than Gilbert.

$2,223/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↓ 9%
$104,321/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 16%
$848,500 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$518,600 ↓ 39%
$2,308/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↓ 17%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $17,030/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Gilbert — common questions

Is San Diego or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Gilbert?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Gilbert?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $17,030/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 San Diego or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Gilbert details →

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