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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Elk Grove is 5% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$2,180/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↓ 10%
$122,229/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 26%
$603,400 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 27%
$2,227/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↓ 9%
177,221
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $32,063/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elk Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 168 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $32,063/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Garden Grove

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem 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