Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Gilbert, AZ (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Gilbert

Arizona
148

Tucson is 49% cheaper than Gilbert.

$1,079/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,028/mo ↑ 88%
$54,546/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$121,351/yr ↑ 122%
$242,200 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$518,600 ↑ 114%
$1,076/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,908/mo ↑ 77%
543,348
Population
271,118

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Gilbert, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $949/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $11,388/year.

Median household income is $66,805/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $518,600 in Gilbert.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Gilbert — common questions

Is Tucson or Gilbert cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Gilbert?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Gilbert it's $2,028/month — a difference of $949/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Gilbert?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $121,351 in Gilbert. Median household income is $66,805/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Arizona?
Both cities are in Arizona and share the same state tax rates: 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Gilbert details →

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