Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Fresno is 4% more affordable than Gilbert. A $75,000 salary in Gilbert is equivalent to $72,297 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Gilbert sits at 128 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $470,000 in Gilbert, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,700 in Gilbert.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Gilbert scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are higher than Gilbert (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $94,518 in Gilbert. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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