Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Arlington is 46% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,389/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 42%
$73,519/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 23%
$276,400 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 177%
$1,420/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 42%
394,769
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $16,647/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Arlington or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $16,647/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Garden Grove details →

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