Cost of Living: Garden Grove, CA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Garden Grove is 27% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,971/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 9%
$90,166/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 57%
$765,500 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 37%
$2,016/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ≈ Same
170,603
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $51,187/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Garden Grove or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $51,187/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and The Woodlands

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 The Woodlands vs. Lakeland The Woodlands vs. Evansville The Woodlands vs. Clearwater The Woodlands vs. Brandon The Woodlands vs. North Charleston The Woodlands vs. West Jordan