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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Garden Grove is 30% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,971/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 27%
$90,166/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 79%
$765,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 57%
$2,016/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 28%
170,603
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $534/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $6,408/year.

Median household income is $71,134/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Bellevue?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $534/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Bellevue?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $71,134/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Bellevue

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 Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet