Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Boston and Garden Grove have a similar cost of living.

$2,093/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↓ 6%
$94,755/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 5%
$710,400 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 8%
$2,176/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↓ 7%
663,972
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $4,589/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Boston or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $4,589/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Boston and Garden Grove

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