Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Garden Grove

California

176

Fort Collins

Colorado

137

Garden Grove is 39% more expensive than Fort Collins.

$1,971/mo ↑ 19%

Median Rent

$1,661/mo ↓ 16%

$90,166/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$83,598/yr ↓ 7%

$765,500 ↑ 40%

Home Value

$548,400 ↓ 28%

$2,016/mo ↑ 19%

Owner Costs

$1,692/mo ↓ 16%

170,603

Population

169,705

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

4.4%

7.25%

Sales Tax

2.9%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.51%

Affordability

26.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

23.8%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $310/month cheaper in Fort Collins, saving renters about $3,720/year.

Median household income is $6,568/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Fort Collins is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Fort Collins?

Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $310/month.

Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Fort Collins?

Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $6,568/year higher in Garden Grove.

How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.

Should I move to Garden Grove or Fort Collins?

It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.