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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Garden Grove is 2% more expensive than Alexandria.

$1,971/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 3%
$90,166/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↑ 26%
$765,500 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$696,800 ↓ 9%
$2,016/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 8%
170,603
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $23,472/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Alexandria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Alexandria is cheaper to live in with an index of 173 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Alexandria?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Alexandria?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $23,472/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between California and Virginia?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Alexandria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Alexandria

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 Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen