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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Garden Grove is 28% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,971/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 7%
$90,166/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 6%
$765,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 38%
$2,016/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 11%
170,603
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $129/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $1,548/year.

Median household income is $5,549/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $129/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $5,549/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Santa Maria

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 Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton