Arlington, IA vs Gilbert, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arlington is 29.7% cheaper than Gilbert. With a cost index of 57 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arlington to Gilbert should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arlington is $525/month compared to $887/month in Gilbert — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arlington is more affordable at $110,900 median vs $267,200.

Median household income in Arlington is $41,250 compared to $112,250 in Gilbert (-63.3%). While Gilbert is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arlington spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 9.5% in Gilbert.