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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Garden Grove is 23% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,971/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 22%
$90,166/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 22%
$765,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 38%
$2,016/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 22%
170,603
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $19,907/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $19,907/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Costa Mesa

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 Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria