Gilbert, AZ vs. Mesa, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Deciding between Gilbert and Mesa, Arizona for your next home? This cost of living comparison will help families, professionals, and anyone else considering a move to the Phoenix area in 2025 determine which city best fits their lifestyle and budget.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare between Gilbert and Mesa:
| Housing Type | Gilbert | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $380,000 |
| Mortgage Payment (30-year fixed, 20% down) | $2,100/month | $1,750/month |
| Median Rent (2BR Apartment) | $1,800/month | $1,500/month |
🏆 Winner: Mesa has a lower cost of housing, with median home prices about 15% less than Gilbert and average rent around 20% cheaper for a comparable apartment.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. Here’s what to expect in Gilbert vs Mesa:
- Electricity: $150-200/month (higher in summer)
- Water: $50-75/month
- Gas: $30-50/month (lower in summer)
- Internet/Cable: $100-150/month
Both cities offer programs like SRP’s Time-of-Use plan to save on off-peak energy. Overall, utility costs are similar.
🏆 Winner: It’s a tie. Residents of Gilbert and Mesa pay comparable rates for utilities on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items are slightly more affordable in Mesa compared to Gilbert:
- Gallon of milk: $3.50 in Mesa, $4 in Gilbert
- Loaf of bread: $2.75 in Mesa, $3.25 in Gilbert
- Dozen eggs: $2.50 in Mesa, $3 in Gilbert
Restaurants also tend to be 5-10% cheaper in Mesa.
🏆 Winner: Mesa offers savings of about 10-15% on common grocery and household items compared to Gilbert.
4. Taxes and Fees
Taxes and city fees can add up. Here’s how Gilbert and Mesa compare:
- Sales tax: 7.8% in Gilbert, 8.3% in Mesa
- Property tax rate: 0.6% in Gilbert, 0.7% in Mesa
- HOA fees: $50-300/month in Gilbert (often includes landscaping and trash), $25-200/month in Mesa
🏆 Winner: Gilbert has a slight edge with lower sales and property tax rates, though Mesa’s HOA fees are a bit cheaper on average.
5. Cost Summary
| Expense | Gilbert | Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,100 | $1,750 |
| Utilities | $350 | $350 |
| Groceries | $500 | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes and Fees | $400 | $450 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,050 | $3,650 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Mesa offers savings, Gilbert has perks that can offset the higher cost for some:
- Gilbert is known for highly-rated schools, parks, and safety
- Mesa has more affordable housing and a wider range of home types
- Gilbert averages 5°F cooler than Mesa in the summer months
- Mesa offers easier access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation
7. Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Gilbert more affordable than Mesa?
- Overall, Mesa is about 10% cheaper than Gilbert, largely due to lower housing costs. However, Gilbert is only slightly pricier for everyday expenses.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Rent is around 20% lower in Mesa compared to Gilbert for a similar apartment or home.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- The median home price in Mesa is about $70,000 less than in Gilbert, translating to a mortgage payment that’s $350 lower per month.
8. Conclusion
Mesa offers meaningful savings over Gilbert of about $400 per month for a typical household budget. The lower housing costs in particular make Mesa attractive for those looking to buy a home or rent on a tighter budget.
However, Gilbert can be worth the premium for families who prioritize top-notch schools, safe neighborhoods, and a slightly cooler climate. With a monthly budget about 10% higher than Mesa, Gilbert is still an affordable option for many.
Ultimately, both of these Phoenix suburbs provide a high quality of life. Explore our full cost of living guide for Gilbert to dive deeper into the numbers and see how your household budget would fare in this desirable Arizona city.