Cost of Living in Gilbert, AZ: A Moving Guide
There has been a steady trend of people relocating to Gilbert, AZ, where they can enjoy a good quality of life along with the charms and attractions the town has to offer.
Gilbert residents enjoy active lifestyles, natural beauty, high quality of life, and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities.
If you’re thinking about relocating, our comprehensive guide includes a breakdown of living expenses and everything else you need to know about housing, income, transportation, healthcare, utilities, childcare, and education.
We want you to know exactly what to expect if you are relocating as well as the cost of living in Gilbert AZ.
About Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert is located in Maricopa County in the State of Arizona, southeast of the state’s largest city, Phoenix.
It has a population of around 250 000, but this number is steadily growing as more families and young professionals relocate to the area.
Its natural beauty, low crime rates, healthcare, quality schooling, and abundance of recreational activities make it one of the best places to live in Arizona. The cost of living in Gilbert, AZ is not exorbitant.
Most residents in Gilbert are homeowners, and they relish its calm suburban feel. Residents can have an active lifestyle and enjoy outdoor activities, nightlife, and shopping in Gilbert, without getting caught up in the modern haze of bustling city life.
There is plenty to do in Gilbert. If you occasionally need the big city atmosphere, Phoenix is a stone’s throw away.
Cost of Living in Gilbert AZ
You need to consider many factors to calculate the cost of living in Gilbert, AZ. There are various factors to take into consideration such as income, taxes, the cost of food, housing, transport, healthcare, and utilities.
The cost of living in Gilbert, AZ is a bit higher than the national average. Some sources estimate that it is 9% higher than the national average, while others report that it is 4.9% higher. It is also higher than the Arizona average by an estimated 4%.
Housing and real estate prices in Gilbert are considerably more expensive than the national average. But utilities, gas prices, and transportation costs are lower than the national average.
Housing
Housing is slightly more pricey compared to the national average. This is what bumps up the cost of living in Gilbert, AZ. The cost of housing in Gilbert is approximately 35% higher than the national average.
Around 75% of properties in Gilbert, AZ, are occupied by homeowners, while around 25% are occupied by renters.
So, what would be your best bet in Gilbert? Should you rent or buy? Renting is usually cheaper but If you play your cards right, the overall living costs for renting and buying could be about the same.
Renting is a great way to test the waters in Gilbert before you commit to buying property, and there are fewer up-front costs. Rentals can include utilities and amenities like water, electricity, Wi-Fi, yard maintenance, fitness centers, and pools.
Rentals and Apartments
Apartments in Gilbert have an average of 977 sq. ft. Of course, this depends on the type of unit, studio, or apartment you choose.
Studio apartments are usually smaller than 977 sq. ft, while 1-bedroom apartments are just above this average. You can have much more space in 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments.
A solid estimate for the average monthly rent in Gilbert is around $1500, but it will vary according to different neighborhoods.
Some neighborhoods have affordable rental prices that can reach well below average. Some of these neighborhoods are El Dorado Lakes, The Islands, Val Vista Lakes, Neely, Carol Rae Ranch, and Towne Meadows.
Expensive neighborhoods can bump up living costs in Gilbert, AZ. Rent can reach up to $2000 or more in Greenfield Lakes, Estates at the Spectrum, Seville, and Power Ranch.
Homes
The median home value in Gilbert is estimated to be in the range of $330 000 and $500 000. The median listing price per square foot in Gilbert is around $256
The value of homes has taken a steep climb in the past few years, and more growth is expected in the future. It has risen around 32% in the past year.
When it comes to property tax, the average county tax rate in Maricopa County, where Gilbert is situated, is 0.802%.
Income
Median Household Income
The median household income in Gilbert is much higher than the national average. The median household income in Gilbert is around $97 000, while the national median is around $63 000.
This is good news for those wondering if they can afford the cost of living in Gilbert, AZ.
Annual Salaries
What does the annual income for some common occupations look like in Gilbert, AZ? Here’s an estimated breakdown.
Accountants and registered nurses can make around $80 000 a year. Mechanical engineers and human resources managers will make around $110 000 a year. Web developers can expect around $90 000 a year.
Employment
The employment rate is the value that represents the change in the number of jobs that were added to the job market per month, over one year. Gilbert has an outstanding employment rate of 2230 per month.
Adversely, the unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for jobs and willing to work, but are currently unemployed. The unemployment rate in Gilbert is 5%, which is slightly above the national unemployment rate of 4,8%.
Minimum Wage and Tax Rate
While the Federal minimum wage is $8.40 per hour, the minimum wage in Arizona is $3.75 more than this at $12.15.
The state income tax rate in Arizona is below the national average. Arizona has five tax brackets. These marginal tax brackets have rates of 2.59%, 3.34%, 4.17%, and 4.50%.
When compared to other states and cities, the citizens of Gilbert have a below-average tax burden.
Taxes can vary drastically between different towns and cities. When you factor in federal and state income taxes, costs related to Medicare payroll taxes, and Social Security contributions, the average working citizen of Gilbert is estimated to pay around $6200 annually. The national average is around $6100.
Transportation and Commuting
The cost of transport in Gilbert is in line with the national average. Gas prices and bus fares are estimated to be 8% below the national average.
To estimate how much you would spend on transport per year – gas prices, car maintenance, and public transit need to be considered.
Fees for registration and insurance on personally owned vehicles are quite high in Arizona. According to the US Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a Gilbert citizen might spend around $9 400 per year on transport. This is close to the national average, which is around $9 800 per year.
Gilbert is located southeast of Phoenix, the largest city in Arizona. It is 40 minutes away from downtown Phoenix and 30 minutes away from Sky Harbor Airport. The average commute of a Gilbert citizen is around 27.9 minutes, while the national average is 26.6 minutes.
If you work in Phoenix, you can expect a commute of around 45 minutes each morning. Traffic isn’t a problem in Gilbert, but the commute out to Phoenix can be a challenge.
Gilbert is also 30 minutes away from Arizona State University in Tempe, and 30 minutes away from Scottsdale, the third-largest city in Arizona.
Unfortunately, Gilbert is not the best town to get around in by walking or using public transportation. However, Gilbert does have adequate bike routes.
Gilbert is part of the Valley Metro Member Agency (VMMA) that operates bus routes and light rail lines in the area. The VMMA can take passengers to key destinations like the University of Arizona, Southeast Regional Library, Riparian Reserve, Gilbert Heritage District, Downtown Mesa, Downtown Chandler, and Crossroads Towne Center.
Healthcare
Citizens of Gilbert can enjoy adequate healthcare without paying exorbitant amounts of money.
Insurance premiums and out-of-pocket health care costs with basic coverage are above the national average, but on par with Arizona’s average. Of course, this depends on individual needs and the type of coverage.
The average cost of healthcare for a single adult in Gilbert is around $6100 per year, which is just above Arizona’s average of $6000. The national average is around $4300.
Here are the estimated costs of some healthcare services in Gilbert:
- Doctor’s visit: Around $110
- Veterinary visit: Around $50
- Optometrist visit: Around $100
- Dentist visit: Around $90
Utilities
Utilities are affordable in Gilbert – it is estimated to be 4% below the national average. The average Gilbert household can expect monthly energy bills around $160 and phone and internet bills above $160. When it comes to utilities, the cost of living in Gilbert, AZ is on par with state and national averages.
Food and Groceries
The cost of food and groceries is estimated to be 3% lower than the national average. Here are some estimated costs of a few staple grocery items:
- Bread: $3.24
- Carton of eggs: $1.76
- A gallon of milk: $1.89
- Bunch of bananas: $3.27
- Hamburger: $4.13
One source calculated the estimated annual costs of food in Gilbert, the state of Arizona, and the USA respectively. They calculated these costs in terms of a nutritionally adequate diet consisting of food purchased for home preparation.
This source estimates that a Gilbert adult spends on average $3100 on food, while a family of four spends around $9000.
In Arizona, an adult would spend around $3100 and a family of four would spend $8900. The national average comes to $3200 for an adult and $9400 for a family of four.
Another source calculated costs following a US average of 100 points. A score of 100 points represents the national average. A score below 100 points means that something is cheaper, while a score above 100 means that something is more expensive.
Gilbert scores 99.2 on groceries and food, and 100.4 on utilities.
Childcare and Education
Gilbert, AZ is a wonderful place to raise children and the town has seen a major influx of families relocating to the area. When it comes to family well-being, Gilbert has racked up many rewards and high rankings in the state of Arizona.
Parents with children know that childcare can drastically increase yearly expenses. This is also true for the cost of living in Gilbert, AZ.
One source estimated and compared the average annual cost of childcare for two children – a 4-year-old and 8-year-old – for Gilbert, Arizona, and the USA.
Annual childcare costs in Gilbert are around $16 900. In Arizona and the USA, it is estimated to be around $16 300 and $15 900 respectively.
Gilbert boasts an A-rated school district that is one of the best in Arizona. There are more than 90 public schools and around 20 private schools in the area.
Traditional public schools in the area are free and open to all students and funded by taxpayers. Your child’s education does not have to bump up your cost of living in Gilbert.
Schools and preschools consistently receive positive reviews and praise. Test scores and graduation rates in the Gilbert school district are also outstanding. This predicts good outcomes for college admission.
Gilbert school children will receive priority admittance at some Arizona state colleges and city colleges in Gilbert, Phoenix, and neighboring cities and towns.
Conclusion
Gilbert, AZ offers its residents safety, versatility, and an unmatched quality of life. Gilbert is a great town to settle down in. You can have an active lifestyle, soak up its natural beauty, and enjoy job security and a comfortable lifestyle.
If you want to relocate, knowing what to expect in terms of living costs is key. Now that you have our comprehensive low down on the cost of living in Gilbert, AZ, you can get ready to move.
