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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Torrance

California
218

Garden Grove is 19% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,971/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 12%
$90,166/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 25%
$765,500 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 35%
$2,016/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 14%
170,603
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $22,939/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Torrance — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Torrance?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Torrance?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $22,939/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Torrance

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 Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco