Santa Ana, CA vs Gilbert, AZ: 163 vs 148

$1,975/mo ↓ 3%

Median Rent

$2,028/mo ↑ 3%

$88,354/yr ↓ 27%

Median Income

$121,351/yr ↑ 37%

$657,800 ↑ 27%

Home Value

$518,600 ↓ 21%

$1,965/mo ↑ 3%

Owner Costs

$1,908/mo ↓ 3%

311,639

Population

271,118

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Santa Ana, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $32,997/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Gilbert cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Gilbert is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Gilbert?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $53/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Gilbert?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $32,997/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 Santa Ana or Gilbert?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Gilbert

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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