Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Pembroke Pines, FL (2026)

Garden Grove

California

176

Pembroke Pines

Florida

130

Garden Grove is 46% more expensive than Pembroke Pines.

$1,971/mo ↑ 3%

Median Rent

$1,910/mo ↓ 3%

$90,166/yr ↑ 10%

Median Income

$81,675/yr ↓ 9%

$765,500 ↑ 86%

Home Value

$411,700 ↓ 46%

$2,016/mo ↑ 17%

Owner Costs

$1,717/mo ↓ 15%

170,603

Population

170,557

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

7.25%

Sales Tax

6.0%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.86%

Affordability

26.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

28.1%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Pembroke Pines, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Pembroke Pines, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $8,491/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $411,700 in Pembroke Pines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Pembroke Pines — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Pembroke Pines cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Pembroke Pines is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Pembroke Pines?

Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Pembroke Pines it's $1,910/month — a difference of $61/month.

Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Pembroke Pines?

Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $81,675 in Pembroke Pines. Median household income is $8,491/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 Pembroke Pines?

It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.