Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Denver is 16% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,770/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 11%
$91,681/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 2%
$586,700 ↓ 23%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 30%
$1,839/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 10%
713,734
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $201/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $2,412/year.

Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Denver or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denver is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $201/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $1,515/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Garden Grove

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso 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