Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Chicago is 43% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,380/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 43%
$75,134/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 20%
$315,200 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 143%
$1,502/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 34%
2,707,648
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Chicago, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $15,032/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Chicago slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Chicago or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chicago is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $15,032/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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 Chicago details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Garden Grove

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