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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Garden Grove is 123% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,971/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↓ 36%
$90,166/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 41%
$765,500 ↑ 305%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 75%
$2,016/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 38%
170,603
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Allentown, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $36,763/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Allentown — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Allentown?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Allentown?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $36,763/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Allentown

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 Allentown vs. Thousand Oaks Allentown vs. Palm Bay Allentown vs. Simi Valley Allentown vs. Meridian Allentown vs. Pearland Allentown vs. Vallejo