Let the numbers do the talking.
Gilbert, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ
Gilbert, AZ vs Phoenix, AZ: What the data shows
Gilbert, AZ is in Gilbert, AZ while Phoenix, AZ is in Phoenix, AZ — both in the same state. On home prices, Gilbert, AZ is the more affordable option at $441,300 median — $18,000 less than Phoenix, AZ's $459,300. WYLT rates Gilbert, AZ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Phoenix, AZ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Gilbert, AZ has the stronger safety profile of the two. Gilbert, AZ has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Phoenix, AZ has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Gilbert, AZ has Low flood risk and Phoenix, AZ has Low flood risk.
Phoenix, AZ is the more walkable neighborhood. Gilbert, AZ scores 7/100 (car-dependent) versus Phoenix, AZ's 34/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Gilbert, AZ has the higher school rating — Gilbert, AZ rates 7.4/10 and Phoenix, AZ rates 7.2/10.
| Category | Gilbert, AZ | Phoenix, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $441K ✓ Lower price | $459K |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $111K ✓ Higher income | $80K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 7/100 | 34/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | 14/100 | 24/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 51/100 ✓ More bikeable | 25/100 |
| Commute | 32 min | 12 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.2/10 |
| Best for | Families with school‑age kidsCommuters to PhoenixCollege students who can share a place | Young professionalsStudentsPeople looking for affordable Phoenix living |
Bottom line
If you're a young professional or student looking for affordable Phoenix living and don't mind a high crime area, 85016 might be your best bet. However, if you're a family with school-age kids, a commuter to Phoenix, or a college student who can share a place, Gilbert offers a more stable and safer environment despite being pricier. Ultimately, consider Gilbert if you value school quality and a quieter area, but choose 85016 for its affordability and cultural diversity.
Share this comparison