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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Orange

California
206

Garden Grove is 15% cheaper than Orange.

$1,971/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 14%
$90,166/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 30%
$765,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 18%
$2,016/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 19%
170,603
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $281/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $3,372/year.

Median household income is $26,779/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Orange — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Orange?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $281/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Orange?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $26,779/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Orange

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 Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City