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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Garden Grove is 40% more expensive than Sparks.

$1,971/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↓ 16%
$90,166/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 4%
$765,500 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$455,900 ↓ 40%
$2,016/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↓ 20%
170,603
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $320/month cheaper in Sparks, saving renters about $3,840/year.

Median household income is $3,187/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Sparks — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sparks is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Sparks?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $320/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Sparks?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $3,187/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and Nevada?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Sparks

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 Sparks vs. South Fulton Sparks vs. Dearborn Sparks vs. Greeley Sparks vs. Riverview Sparks vs. Sugar Land Sparks vs. Tyler