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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Garden Grove is 20% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,971/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 13%
$90,166/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 15%
$765,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 37%
$2,016/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 16%
170,603
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $247/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $2,964/year.

Median household income is $13,612/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Pasadena?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $247/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Pasadena?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $13,612/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Pasadena

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 Pasadena vs. Dayton Pasadena vs. Miramar Pasadena vs. Cedar Rapids Pasadena vs. Victorville Pasadena vs. Hampton Pasadena vs. Elizabeth