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Mesa vs Gilbert: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Gilbert is 8% more expensive than Mesa. Gilbert is 46% safer. Mesa population: 513,656. Gilbert population: 287,285.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingMesa
SafetyGilbert
HousingMesa

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Mesa vs Gilbert

Mesa is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 108 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 8 index points.

CategoryMesaGilbert
Overall Index100108
Housing$2,100/moIndex: 118$2,492/moIndex: 140
Groceries$406/moIndex: 99$410/moIndex: 100
Transportation$357/moIndex: 102$354/moIndex: 101
Healthcare$320/moIndex: 100$320/moIndex: 100
Utilities$229/moIndex: 104$227/moIndex: 103

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Mesa vs Gilbert

Gilbert is 46% safer overall, with a crime rate of 12.8 per 1,000 residents vs Mesa's 23.6. Gilbert earns a B+ safety grade compared to Mesa's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

Mesa

Arizona

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.6/1K
TrendStable
B+

Gilbert

Arizona

Overall GradeB+
Violent CrimeB+
Property CrimeB+
Crime Rate12.8/1K
TrendStable
MetricMesaGilbert
Overall Crime Rate23.6/1K12.8/1K
Violent Crime Rate480.080.0
Property Crime Rate1876.31200.0
Murder Rate6.51.4
Assault Rate319.464.9
Robbery Rate55.010.1
Burglary Rate251.3178.1
Theft Rate1356.9874.7
Vehicle Theft Rate206.5181.6

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Mesa, you have a 1 in 42 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 78 in Gilbert.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mesa cheaper than Gilbert?
Mesa is 8% more affordable than Gilbert, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 108 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $2,100/mo in Mesa vs $2,492/mo in Gilbert.
Is Mesa safer than Gilbert?
Gilbert is 46% safer overall, with a crime rate of 12.8 per 1,000 residents vs Mesa's 23.6. Gilbert earns a B+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Mesa or Gilbert?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert is safer (B+ grade). Mesa is more affordable (index 100 vs 108). Mesa has a population of 513,656 and Gilbert has 287,285. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Mesa compared to Gilbert?
Mesa has a population of 513,656 and Gilbert has 287,285. Mesa is 79% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Mesa or Gilbert?
Housing is cheaper in Mesa. Estimated monthly housing costs: Mesa $2,100/mo vs Gilbert $2,492/mo. That's based on a housing index of 118 vs 140 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
Mesa Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
B+
Gilbert Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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