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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Garden Grove is 22% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,971/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 31%
$90,166/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 49%
$765,500 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 24%
$2,016/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 35%
170,603
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $609/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $7,308/year.

Median household income is $44,201/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $609/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $44,201/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Thousand Oaks

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 Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian