Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Austin is 4% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $72,297 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Austin scores 96 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
Amazon affiliate links