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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Garden Grove is 252% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,971/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 56%
$90,166/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 52%
$765,500 ↑ 721%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 88%
$2,016/mo ↑ 142%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 59%
170,603
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,105/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $13,260/year.

Median household income is $46,712/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Dayton — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Dayton?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $1,105/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Dayton?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $46,712/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Ohio?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Dayton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Dayton

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 Dayton vs. Cedar Rapids Dayton vs. Pasadena Dayton vs. Hampton Dayton vs. Miramar Dayton vs. West Valley City Dayton vs. Victorville