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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Garden Grove is 48% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,971/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 56%
$90,166/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 102%
$765,500 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 137%
$2,016/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 50%
170,603
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,094/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $13,128/year.

Median household income is $91,696/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,094/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $91,696/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Sunnyvale

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 Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston