Gilbert, IA vs Milton, IA

The cost of living difference between Gilbert, IA and Milton, IA is dramatic. Milton is 52.6% cheaper than Gilbert, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Gilbert has a cost index of 81 while Milton sits at 53, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Gilbert is $887/month compared to $550/month in Milton — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Milton is more affordable at $54,400 median vs $267,200.

Median household income in Gilbert is $112,250 compared to $41,875 in Milton (+168.1%). 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 9.5% of their income on rent, less than the 15.8% in Milton.