Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Garden Grove is 45% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,971/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 21%
$90,166/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 10%
$765,500 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 43%
$2,016/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 19%
170,603
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.25%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $419/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $5,028/year.

Median household income is $9,077/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $419/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $9,077/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Michigan?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Ann Arbor

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 Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford