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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Downey

California
169

Garden Grove is 4% more expensive than Downey.

$1,971/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↓ 4%
$90,166/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 3%
$765,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$728,500 ↓ 5%
$2,016/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ≈ Same
170,603
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Downey, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $2,766/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Downey — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Downey is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Downey?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Downey?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $2,766/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Downey

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 Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens