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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Garden Grove is 43% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,971/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 51%
$90,166/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 93%
$765,500 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 100%
$2,016/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 51%
170,603
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,014/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $12,168/year.

Median household income is $83,504/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,014/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $83,504/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Santa Clara

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 Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville