Cost of Living in Gilbert, AZ

An Overview of Cost of Living in Gilbert, AZ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Gilbert is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Gilbert is 132, which is 32% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, 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 make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Gilbert, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 81.8% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Recurring essentials like haircuts, toothpaste, and entertainment, from movies to gym sessions, can really add up in your budget and make up 33% of the cost of living index. In Gilbert, you you will have to spend 15% more than average when compared to the typical prices for these items, making it a more expensive place to live.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 33 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Gilbert and this is how they responded. 58% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 42% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Gilbert Affordable?

Wondering if Gilbert is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Gilbert, for example, the median home price is 88.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 66.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Gilbert boasting a median household income of $99,154, which is 79.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Gilbert?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Gilbert, the housing index is 81.8% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Gilbert, the utilities index registers at 1.6% lower than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including 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 farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Gilbert cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.