Queen Creek, AZ vs. Gilbert, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison between Queen Creek and Gilbert, two popular suburbs southeast of Phoenix. It is perfect for families relocating to the area, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of living in Queen Creek vs Gilbert in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
Did you know? The median home price in Queen Creek is nearly $100,000 less than in Gilbert.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Queen Creek and Gilbert compare for typical housing options:
| Housing Type | Queen Creek | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $540,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $1,900 |
| 3BR House Rent | $2,200 | $2,600 |
🏆 Winner: Queen Creek. Housing costs are significantly lower in Queen Creek compared to Gilbert, with savings of $300-400 per month on rent and nearly $100K on home purchases.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
In the scorching Phoenix summers, air conditioning bills can soar. Here’s what to expect for monthly utility costs in each city:
- Queen Creek: $180-250/month
- Gilbert: $200-280/month
Both cities offer programs like SRP’s Time-of-Use plan to save by shifting usage to off-peak hours. Water costs are similar.
🏆 Winner: Queen Creek has a slight edge, with utility bills averaging about $30/month less than Gilbert.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, expect to spend around $800-1000 per month on groceries in either Queen Creek or Gilbert. Restaurant prices are comparable, though Queen Creek has slightly lower fast food and chain restaurant pricing.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Grocery and daily living costs are nearly identical in both cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Queen Creek’s property tax rate is 0.6%, while Gilbert’s is 0.7% – a small but notable difference. For a $500K home, that’s a savings of $500/year in Queen Creek.
In Queen Creek, HOA fees often include front yard landscaping and community amenities. Gilbert has fewer master-planned communities with such perks.
🏆 Winner: Queen Creek. Lower property taxes and HOA fees with more included services give Queen Creek the advantage.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Queen Creek | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1600 – $2200 | $1900 – $2600 |
| Utilities | $180 – $250 | $200 – $280 |
| Groceries | $800 – $1000 | $800 – $1000 |
| Transportation | $400 – $500 | $400 – $500 |
| Taxes | 0.6% property tax | 0.7% property tax |
| Misc | $500 – $800 | $500 – $800 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3480 – $4750 | $3800 – $5180 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While costs are lower in Queen Creek, Gilbert offers a few lifestyle perks:
- More walkable neighborhoods and mixed-use developments
- Slightly shorter average commute to major East Valley employers
- More public transportation options (Valley Metro bus routes and park-and-ride)
However, Queen Creek has advantages too:
- Larger lots and more spacious, affordable homes
- Quieter, less congested feel
- Stunning mountain views to the south and east
Quick Fact: Gilbert averages about 1°F cooler than Queen Creek in the summer thanks to its “heat island” from denser urban development.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Queen Creek more affordable than Gilbert?
A: Yes, the cost of living is lower in Queen Creek, primarily due to cheaper housing. You can expect to save $300-500 per month living in Queen Creek compared to Gilbert.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Queen Creek has lower rental rates, with apartments and houses typically costing $300-400 less per month than comparable rentals in Gilbert.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Queen Creek. The median home price in Queen Creek is about $450,000 compared to $540,000 in Gilbert – a difference of nearly $100,000.
8. Conclusion
While both Queen Creek and Gilbert are great places to live in the East Valley, Queen Creek comes out ahead for affordability. Families looking to stretch their budget with more affordable housing and lower taxes will appreciate the cost of living in Queen Creek.
However, Gilbert may be worth the added cost for those who value walkability, shorter commutes, and urban amenities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
To see how your budget stacks up in Queen Creek, check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Queen Creek Residents. For a full breakdown of expenses, see our Cost of Living in Queen Creek (2025 Guide).