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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Paterson

New Jersey
106

Garden Grove is 66% more expensive than Paterson.

$1,971/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,457/mo ↓ 26%
$90,166/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$53,766/yr ↓ 40%
$765,500 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$335,400 ↓ 56%
$2,016/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,553/mo ↓ 23%
170,603
Population
157,660

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Paterson, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $514/month cheaper in Paterson, saving renters about $6,168/year.

Median household income is $36,400/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $335,400 in Paterson.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Paterson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Paterson — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Paterson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Paterson is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Paterson?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Paterson it's $1,457/month — a difference of $514/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Paterson?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $53,766 in Paterson. Median household income is $36,400/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Paterson?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Paterson has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,457/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Paterson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Paterson

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 Paterson vs. Corona Paterson vs. Murfreesboro Paterson vs. Hayward Paterson vs. Alexandria Paterson vs. Salinas Paterson vs. Macon