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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Garden Grove is 98% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,971/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 29%
$90,166/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 20%
$765,500 ↑ 238%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 70%
$2,016/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 31%
170,603
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $564/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $6,768/year.

Median household income is $18,323/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Mesquite?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $564/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Mesquite?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $18,323/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Mesquite details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Mesquite

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 Mesquite vs. Pasadena Mesquite vs. Pomona Mesquite vs. Naperville Mesquite vs. Bridgeport Mesquite vs. Surprise Mesquite vs. Rockford