Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Springfield, MO (2026)

Garden Grove

California

176

Springfield

Missouri

Garden Grove is 116% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,971/mo ↑ 114%

Median Rent

$920/mo ↓ 53%

$90,166/yr ↑ 96%

Median Income

$45,984/yr ↓ 49%

$765,500 ↑ 363%

Home Value

$165,200 ↓ 78%

$2,016/mo ↑ 122%

Owner Costs

$908/mo ↓ 55%

170,603

Population

169,432

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

4.95%

7.25%

Sales Tax

4.225%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.93%

Affordability

26.2%

rent-to-income

Affordability

24.0%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Springfield, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 60 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,051/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $12,612/year.

Median household income is $44,182/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $165,200 in Springfield.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Springfield — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Springfield cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Springfield?

Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Springfield it's $920/month — a difference of $1,051/month.

Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Springfield?

Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $45,984 in Springfield. Median household income is $44,182/year higher in Garden Grove.

How do taxes compare between California and Missouri?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.

Should I move to Garden Grove or Springfield?

It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 60 with rent of $920/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.