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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Garden Grove is 42% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,971/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 14%
$90,166/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 16%
$765,500 ↑ 87%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 47%
$2,016/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 13%
170,603
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $14,083/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Lancaster?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Lancaster?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $14,083/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

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