Housing Costs in Gilbert, AZ
Housing is typically the largest expense for residents in Gilbert, Arizona. As of 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Gilbert is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment for a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $2,100 to $2,600 per month, assuming a 20% down payment.
It’s important to note that many neighborhoods in Gilbert have active Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While membership is often mandatory, the additional monthly fees can range from $50 to $300 or more, depending on the community amenities. When budgeting for housing in Gilbert, it’s wise to factor in potential HOA dues.
- Median 2BR Apartment Rent: $1,850/month
- Typical 3BR House Mortgage: $2,100 – $2,600/month
- HOA Fees (if applicable): $50 – $300+/month
Utilities and Energy Bills in Gilbert
Utility costs in Gilbert are relatively consistent with other Phoenix suburbs. Residents can expect to pay around $150 per month for electricity, with seasonal spikes during the hot summer months when air conditioning is a necessity. Natural gas, which is commonly used for heating, cooking, and water heating, averages $50 to $80 per month.
Water and trash services are often bundled together in Gilbert, with a typical combined bill of $80 to $120 per month for a single-family home. It’s worth noting that some neighborhoods may include these services within the HOA fees, so it’s important to verify with your specific community.
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $150 |
| Natural Gas | $50 – $80 |
| Water + Trash | $80 – $120 |
Groceries and Daily Expenses in Gilbert
For a single person living in Gilbert, a reasonable grocery budget is around $300 to $400 per month. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional dining out. Families can expect to spend closer to $800 to $1,000 per month on groceries, depending on household size and dietary preferences.
To give a sense of local prices, a gallon of milk in Gilbert typically costs $3.50, while a dozen eggs average $2.80. A meal at a mid-range restaurant for two people runs about $50 to $70, including appetizers and drinks.
Household essentials like toiletries, cleaning supplies, and paper goods add another $50 to $80 per month for an average household in Gilbert. Of course, personal spending habits and brand preferences can influence these figures.
Taxes and Hidden Fees in Gilbert
Gilbert’s property tax rate is 0.55%, which translates to $1,375 annually for a home valued at $250,000. For renters, this cost is often built into the monthly rent price.
Arizona’s base sales tax rate is 5.6%, but Gilbert residents pay a total of 7.8% when including county and city taxes. This means for every $100 spent on taxable goods, an additional $7.80 goes towards sales tax.
Vehicle registration fees in Arizona are based on the value of the car, but a typical family sedan costs around $150 per year to register in Gilbert. Drivers should also budget for car insurance, which averages $1,500 annually for full coverage in the area.
Monthly Cost of Living in Gilbert (2025)
| Expense Category | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/mortgage) | $1,400 | $1,850 | $2,300 |
| Utilities | $180 | $280 | $400 |
| Groceries & Dining | $350 | $600 | $900 |
| Transportation | $300 | $500 | $750 |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Other Necessities | $250 | $400 | $600 |
| Monthly Total (pre-tax) | $2,730 | $4,130 | $5,750 |
Note: All figures are estimates based on typical costs in Gilbert, AZ as of 2025. Individual circumstances may vary. Monthly totals represent gross income required to support each standard of living.
Lifestyle Considerations in Gilbert
Gilbert offers a suburban lifestyle with relatively easy access to the amenities of the Phoenix metro area. Many neighborhoods feature community pools, parks, and walking paths that add to the quality of life.
However, Gilbert’s sprawling layout means that most errands require a car. Traffic congestion during peak hours can make commutes to downtown Phoenix or Tempe take 45 minutes or more. For those who prioritize a walkable lifestyle or shorter commute, the added transportation time is a trade-off to consider.
In terms of housing, Gilbert offers a mix of older homes from the 1980s and 90s alongside new-construction communities. Older properties may have lower price points and established yards, while newer homes tend to have modern finishes and energy-efficient features at a higher monthly cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What salary do you need to live comfortably in Gilbert, AZ?
To live comfortably in Gilbert, a single person would need to earn around $40,000 per year before taxes. For a family of four, a combined gross income of $70,000 or more is recommended. -
Is Gilbert, AZ an affordable place to live?
Compared to other major metros in the U.S., Gilbert is relatively affordable. However, when compared to nearby cities like Mesa or Chandler, Gilbert’s housing costs tend to be slightly higher. -
How much money do I need to make to buy a house in Gilbert?
To comfortably afford a median-priced home in Gilbert (around $450,000 in 2025), a household would need a gross income of at least $90,000 per year, assuming a 20% down payment. -
What is the average electric bill in Gilbert?
The average electric bill in Gilbert is $150 per month, but this can vary significantly based on home size, thermostat settings, and seasonal weather patterns. -
Are groceries expensive in Gilbert compared to other parts of Arizona?
Grocery prices in Gilbert are on par with most other cities in the Phoenix metro area. Prices may be 5-10% lower than in high-cost areas like Scottsdale.