Neighborhood Comparison
Tempe vs Gilbert
Tempe and Gilbert are evenly matched across rent, walkability, transit, amenities and resident sentiment. The right pick comes down to which dimensions you weight most.
Tempe
Tempe, AZ
Home to Arizona State University, Tempe offers an energetic atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Tempe Town Lake.
Full Tempe guide →Gilbert
Gilbert, AZ
One of Arizona's safest cities, Gilbert offers excellent schools, family-friendly communities, and a charming downtown heritage district.
Full Gilbert guide →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Tempe | Gilbert | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,750 | Tempe |
| Walkability | 9.2 / 10 | 9 / 10 | Tie |
| Transit Access | 7 / 10 | 9.6 / 10 | Gilbert |
| Amenities | 9 / 10 | 6 / 10 | Tempe |
| Average Building Rating | 4.1 ★ | 4.5 ★ | Gilbert |
| Resident Sentiment | 10.9 (456 reviews) | 10.66 (234 reviews) | Tie |
Average Rent: Tempe averages about $300 less per month — meaningful over a 12-month lease.
Walkability: Tempe and Gilbert score similarly on walkability.
Transit Access: Gilbert has stronger transit access overall, with more frequent service and shorter walks to stops from most apartment buildings.
Amenities: Apartment buildings in Tempe tend to offer richer amenity packages — rooftops, coworking lounges and full fitness centers are more common.
Average Building Rating: Reviewed buildings in Gilbert average higher resident ratings.
Resident Sentiment: Resident sentiment is comparable in both neighborhoods.
Which Should You Choose?
Budget-conscious renters
Pick Tempe
Lower average asking rent and stronger value across studio and 1-bedroom inventory.
Browse Tempe apartments →Car-free professionals
Pick Gilbert
Better transit access shortens daily commutes and reduces reliance on rideshare.
Browse Gilbert apartments →Walkability-first renters
Pick Gilbert
Higher density of groceries, coffee, dining and fitness within a 10-minute walk of most buildings.
Browse Gilbert apartments →Luxury & amenity seekers
Pick Tempe
Newer construction with richer amenity packages — rooftops, lounges and full fitness centers.
Browse Tempe apartments →Quality-of-living priority
Pick Gilbert
Higher average resident ratings across reviewed buildings.
Browse Gilbert apartments →