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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Fresno is 43% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,324/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 49%
$66,804/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 35%
$348,500 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 120%
$1,391/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 45%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $647/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $7,764/year.

Median household income is $23,362/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Fresno or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $647/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $23,362/year higher in Garden 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 Fresno or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Garden Grove details →

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