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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Garden Grove is 132% more expensive than Norman.

$1,971/mo ↑ 85%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 46%
$90,166/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 28%
$765,500 ↑ 220%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 69%
$2,016/mo ↑ 80%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 44%
170,603
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $907/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $10,884/year.

Median household income is $25,106/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Norman — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Norman?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $907/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Norman?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $25,106/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Oklahoma?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Norman details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Norman

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 Norman vs. Fargo Norman vs. Lewisville Norman vs. Santa Clara Norman vs. Lehigh Acres Norman vs. Carrollton Norman vs. Columbia