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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Garden Grove is 21% more expensive than Kent.

$1,971/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 7%
$90,166/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$90,416/yr ≈ Same
$765,500 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$537,500 ↓ 30%
$2,016/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 5%
170,603
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Kent, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $250/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Kent — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Kent?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Kent?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $250/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Kent

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 Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights