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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Garden Grove is 10% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,971/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 8%
$90,166/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 16%
$765,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 12%
$2,016/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 12%
170,603
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $14,053/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Fullerton?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Fullerton?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $14,053/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Fullerton

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 Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren