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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Garden Grove is 120% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,971/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 41%
$90,166/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 38%
$765,500 ↑ 214%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 68%
$2,016/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 42%
170,603
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $34,513/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

South Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Columbia — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Columbia?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Columbia?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $34,513/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and South Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Columbia

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 Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids