Gilbert, AZ vs Tempe, AZ
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Tempe is 16.8% cheaper than Gilbert. With a cost index of 120 vs 141, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Tempe to Gilbert should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month compared to $1,623/month in Tempe — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Tempe is more affordable at $421,900 median vs $518,600.
Median household income in Gilbert is $121,351 compared to $77,643 in Tempe (+56.3%). 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 Gilbert spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, less than the 25.1% in Tempe.
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Rent by Bedroom Size
HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average
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