Gilbert, AZ vs. Queen Creek, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Gilbert and Queen Creek, two popular Phoenix suburbs. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Gilbert vs Queen Creek in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Gilbert and Queen Creek compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Gilbert | Queen Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,550 | $1,450 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $450,000 | $425,000 |
🏆 Winner: Queen Creek has slightly lower housing costs across the board.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In Gilbert, expect to pay around $180 per month for basic utilities like electricity, water, and gas. Queen Creek utility bills are similar, averaging $175 monthly. Both cities experience hot summers, so budget extra for AC usage from May through September.
🏆 Winner: It’s nearly a tie, but Queen Creek edges out Gilbert by about $5/month.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, a typical monthly grocery bill in Gilbert runs around $850. In Queen Creek, the same shopping list costs about $800. Restaurant prices are comparable, though Queen Creek has slightly lower fast food and chain restaurant pricing.
🏆 Winner: Queen Creek offers savings of roughly $50/month on food costs.
4. Taxes and Fees
Gilbert’s property tax rate is 0.802%, while Queen Creek’s is 0.778%. For a $400K home, that’s a difference of about $100 per year. In Gilbert, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, ranging from $30-100 monthly. Queen Creek HOAs are similar, typically $25-90/month.
🏆 Winner: Queen Creek has a slight edge on property taxes and HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Gilbert | Queen Creek |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $2,500 | $2,350 |
| Utilities | $180 | $175 |
| Groceries | $850 | $800 |
| Transportation | $450 | $475 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $280 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,780 | $4,580 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the cost of living is similar, each city has its own vibe. Gilbert offers more walkable areas and a slightly shorter commute to Phoenix. Queen Creek has more spacious properties and a quieter, rural feel. Queen Creek averages about 2°F cooler than Gilbert in the summer months.
Ultimately, both are great options for families and professionals. Your budget may go a bit further in Queen Creek, while Gilbert provides easier access to city amenities. For a more detailed look at expenses, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Gilbert Residents.
7. FAQ
- Is Gilbert more affordable than Queen Creek?
Queen Creek is slightly more affordable overall, with lower costs for housing, utilities, and groceries. - Which city has lower rent?
Queen Creek has lower rental prices, with a median 2BR apartment renting for about $100 less than in Gilbert. - Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Queen Creek has lower home prices on average, though both cities are relatively affordable for the Phoenix area. See this Cost of Living in Gilbert (2025 Guide) for more info.
8. Conclusion
Gilbert and Queen Creek offer a similar lifestyle at a comparable cost of living. For tight budgets, Queen Creek may be the better choice, with potential savings of around $200 per month on major expenses like housing and food. However, Gilbert’s location is ideal for those who prefer a suburban feel with easy city access.
Ultimately, both cities are excellent options for anyone moving to the Phoenix area. We recommend visiting each to get a feel for the community before making your decision. And be sure to check out our other cost of living breakdowns for popular Arizona cities!