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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Garden Grove and Murrieta have a similar cost of living.

$1,971/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 18%
$90,166/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 22%
$765,500 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$606,900 ↓ 21%
$2,016/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 18%
170,603
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $19,614/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Murrieta is cheaper to live in with an index of 175 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Murrieta?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Murrieta?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $19,614/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Murrieta details →

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