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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Garden Grove is 30% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,971/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 8%
$90,166/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 20%
$765,500 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 76%
$2,016/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 16%
170,603
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $18,392/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Berkeley?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Berkeley?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $18,392/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Berkeley

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 Berkeley vs. Ann Arbor Berkeley vs. Fairfield Berkeley vs. Lafayette Berkeley vs. Hartford Berkeley vs. Rochester Berkeley vs. West Palm Beach