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Gilbert, AZ vs Tempe, AZ

141
Gilbert
Arizona
VS
+16.8%
120
Tempe
Arizona

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.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Gilbert
141
Tempe
120
14% cheaper
Median Household Income
Gilbert
$121,351
36% higher
Tempe
$77,643

Housing

Median Rent
Gilbert
$2,028
Tempe
$1,623
20% cheaper
Median Home Value
Gilbert
$518,600
Tempe
$421,900
19% cheaper
Population
Gilbert
271,118
Tempe
186,419

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Gilbert $1,556
Tempe $1,556
1 Bed
Gilbert $1,692
Tempe $1,692
2 Bed
Gilbert $1,971
Tempe $1,971
3 Bed
Gilbert $2,634
Tempe $2,634
4 Bed
Gilbert $2,937
Tempe $2,937

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Gilbert $3.02
Tempe $3.02
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Gilbert $2.46
Tempe $2.46
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Gilbert $3.96
Tempe $3.96
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Gilbert $1.82
Tempe $1.82
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Gilbert $4.08
Tempe $4.08
US $4.14
Electricity
Gilbert $0.16
Tempe $0.16
US $0.19