Mesa, AZ vs. Gilbert, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Moving to the Phoenix area? Housing costs in Gilbert average a whopping $550 more per month than in neighboring Mesa. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison of Mesa vs. Gilbert, perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real cost of living in these two Phoenix suburbs in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
The median home price in Mesa is $450,000 compared to $550,000 in Gilbert. Typical housing costs break down as follows:
| Housing Type | Mesa | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,100 | $2,500 |
🏆 Winner: Mesa, with housing costs about 20% lower on average than Gilbert.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect the following typical utility costs in Mesa and Gilbert:
- Electricity: $150/month in Mesa, $180/month in Gilbert
- Water: $60/month in Mesa, $75/month in Gilbert
- Garbage and recycling: Included in Mesa HOA fees, $25/month in Gilbert
Both cities see higher AC bills May-September. SRP and APS offer off-peak plans that can lower summer bills.
🏆 Winner: Mesa’s utility costs come in about 15% lower than Gilbert’s.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items cost about the same in Mesa and Gilbert. Expect to spend around $400 per person monthly on groceries, household items, and basic personal care.
Eating out is also comparable, with entrees at local restaurants averaging $12-18. Fast food combos run $8-$10 in both cities.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Groceries and daily expenses are nearly identical in Mesa and Gilbert.
4. Taxes and Fees
Gilbert has slightly higher property taxes at 0.802% vs. 0.675% in Mesa. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of about $600 annually.
In Mesa, HOA fees often include landscaping, trash, and community amenities. Gilbert HOAs tend to cover fewer services. Typical HOA fees:
- Mesa: $100-300/month
- Gilbert: $50-150/month
🏆 Winner: Gilbert, with lower property taxes and HOA fees, but the savings are partially offset by higher housing costs.
5. Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Mesa | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR mortgage) | $2,100 | $2,500 |
| Utilities | $210 | $280 |
| Groceries (2 people) | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation (1 car) | $200 | $200 |
| Taxes and Fees | $200 | $150 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,010 | $4,430 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Gilbert offers more space, lower density, and highly-rated schools, but has longer commutes to Phoenix and fewer public transit options. Mesa is more walkable with a shorter drive to the airport and downtown.
Mesa has over 2,000 more restaurants than Gilbert, but Gilbert has more parks and green space. Gilbert sees about 20% less crime than Mesa.
7. Mesa vs Gilbert Cost of Living FAQ
- Is Mesa more affordable than Gilbert? Yes, the cost of living in Mesa is about 10% lower than in Gilbert, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Rent is around 15-20% less expensive in Mesa compared to Gilbert.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Home prices in Mesa are roughly $100,000 lower on average than in Gilbert as of 2025.
8. Conclusion
While Gilbert has lower crime, less density, and higher-ranking schools, Mesa is more affordable overall, with lower housing, utility, and transportation costs. Mesa also offers shorter commutes and more urban amenities.
Young professionals and those prioritizing an urban lifestyle may prefer Mesa, while families seeking top schools and more space often choose Gilbert. Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life in the East Valley.
Budgeting for your move? Check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Mesa Residents or get an overview of the Cost of Living in Mesa (2025 Guide).