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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Garden Grove is 167% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,971/mo ↑ 94%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 48%
$90,166/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 33%
$765,500 ↑ 340%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 77%
$2,016/mo ↑ 102%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 51%
170,603
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $30,001/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs McAllen — common questions

Is Garden Grove or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and McAllen?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or McAllen?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $30,001/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and McAllen

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 McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance