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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Garden Grove is 25% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,971/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 11%
$90,166/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 5%
$765,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$548,200 ↓ 28%
$2,016/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 14%
170,603
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $4,377/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Lakewood?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Lakewood?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $4,377/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 Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Lakewood

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 Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield