Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Anchorage is 36% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,453/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 36%
$98,152/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 8%
$375,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 104%
$1,698/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 19%
289,069
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $518/month cheaper in Anchorage, saving renters about $6,216/year.

Median household income is $7,986/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Alaska has no state income tax, giving Anchorage residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Anchorage or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anchorage is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $518/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $7,986/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and California?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Garden Grove

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins