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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Garden Grove is 57% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,971/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 26%
$90,166/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 29%
$765,500 ↑ 95%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 49%
$2,016/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 23%
170,603
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $26,292/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $26,292/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Elizabeth

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 Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland