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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Garden Grove is 28% more expensive than Allen.

$1,971/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 5%
$90,166/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 43%
$765,500 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 44%
$2,016/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 3%
170,603
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $38,964/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Allen — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Allen?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Allen?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $38,964/year higher in Allen.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Allen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Allen

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 Allen vs. Tuscaloosa Allen vs. New York Allen vs. Tyler Allen vs. Los Angeles Allen vs. Riverview Allen vs. Chicago