Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Akron is 121% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$930/mo ↓ 53%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 112%
$48,544/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 86%
$111,200 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 588%
$904/mo ↓ 55%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 123%
189,526
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,041/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $12,492/year.

Median household income is $41,622/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Akron or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $1,041/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $41,622/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and California?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Akron details → View Garden Grove details →