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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Garden Grove is 20% more expensive than Naperville.

$1,971/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 6%
$90,166/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 67%
$765,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 33%
$2,016/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 7%
170,603
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $119/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $1,428/year.

Median household income is $60,771/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Naperville — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Naperville?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $119/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Naperville?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $60,771/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Naperville

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 Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona