Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Gilbert is 25% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $56,250 in Gilbert.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $280,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Boulder scores 107 while Gilbert scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Gilbert.
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