Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Garden Grove is 30% more expensive than Sugar Land.

$1,971/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↓ 2%
$90,166/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 53%
$765,500 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$406,600 ↓ 47%
$2,016/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↓ 2%
170,603
Population
109,735

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $47,345/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Sugar Land residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sugar Land is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $47,345/year higher in Sugar Land.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Sugar Land

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 Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks