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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

San Francisco is 80% more expensive than Gilbert.

$2,419/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↓ 16%
$141,446/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↓ 14%
$1,380,500 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$518,600 ↓ 62%
$2,620/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↓ 27%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Gilbert, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $20,095/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Gilbert — common questions

Is San Francisco or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Gilbert?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Gilbert?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $20,095/year higher in San Francisco.
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 Francisco or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Gilbert details →

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