F
28%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
83%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Gilbert Arizona National
Cost of living128101100
Groceries103101100
Health care103101100
Housing18396100
Transportation106102100
Utilities113111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108103100
Household Items103101100
Education & Childcare100103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Gilbert, AZ

The cost of living in Gilbert affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Gilbert is 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Gilbert is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Gilbert falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Gilbert cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 83.4% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Gilbert?

The real experts on a city are its residents. That's why we reached out to 37 locals to get their views on the cost of living in Gilbert. We surveyed the residents and asked them if they felt like prices were affordable or out of reach. The results were as follows. 51% found it budget-friendly with decreasing prices, while 49% said it's simply not affordable as prices have continued to rise.

Is Gilbert Affordable?

Is Gilbert affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Gilbert, the median home price is 90.5% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 66.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Gilbert boasting a median household income of $149,302, 83.6% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gilbert?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Gilbert, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 5.6%, and income tax rates kick off at 2.5%.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Gilbert, the transportation index is 5.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Gilbert shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Gilbert is 27% higher than the Arizona average
  • The cost of living in Gilbert is 28% higher than the national average
  • Gilbert housing is 83% higher than the national average
  • Arizona general sales tax is 10% higher than the national average
  • Arizona state income tax is 4% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Gilbert

See all the best places to live around Gilbert

Compare Gilbert, AZ Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$171,353$14,279$3,998$5,141
      Renters$97,660$8,138$2,279$2,930
      The affordability of the housing market in Gilbert, AZ as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Gilbert homeowners, the median income is $171,353. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $3,998 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $97,660. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,279 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Arizona Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Arizona 5.6% 10.725%

      Arizona Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Arizona 2.5% 2.5%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wet Camp Village, AZ1191054.9%
      Stotonic Village, AZ4398910.5%
      Apache Junction, AZ43,334937.1%
      Guadalupe, AZ6,820973.5%
      Lower Santan Village, AZ113963.5%
      Gilbert, AZ255,86912828.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Glendale, AZ255,9141099.4%
      North Las Vegas, NV256,14411413.7%
      Winston-Salem, NC255,400945.7%
      Reno, NV258,53212625.7%
      Burnaby, BC258,827n/a 
      Gilbert, AZ255,86912828.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.