Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Garden Grove is 93% more expensive than Palm Bay.

$1,971/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↓ 25%
$90,166/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 25%
$765,500 ↑ 209%
Home Value
$248,000 ↓ 68%
$2,016/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 40%
170,603
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Palm Bay, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $22,645/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Palm Bay cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palm Bay is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Palm Bay?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $22,645/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Palm Bay

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 Palm Bay vs. Allentown Palm Bay vs. Meridian Palm Bay vs. Thousand Oaks Palm Bay vs. Vallejo Palm Bay vs. Simi Valley Palm Bay vs. Round Rock