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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Austin is 24% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,655/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 19%
$91,461/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 1%
$512,700 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 49%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 15%
967,862
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $316/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $3,792/year.

Median household income is $1,295/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Austin or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $316/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $1,295/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Garden Grove details →

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