Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Garden Grove is 2% more expensive than Stamford.

$1,971/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 12%
$90,166/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 19%
$765,500 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$614,300 ↓ 20%
$2,016/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 17%
170,603
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $236/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $2,832/year.

Median household income is $17,308/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Stamford — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stamford is cheaper to live in with an index of 172 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Stamford?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $236/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Stamford?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $17,308/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Stamford

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 Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs