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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Garden Grove is 40% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,971/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↓ 3%
$90,166/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 4%
$765,500 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 48%
$2,016/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 21%
170,603
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Surprise, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $3,205/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Surprise — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise 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 Surprise?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $54/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Surprise?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $3,205/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Surprise

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 Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite