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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Garden Grove is 144% more expensive than Waco.

$1,971/mo ↑ 80%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 44%
$90,166/yr ↑ 75%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 43%
$765,500 ↑ 284%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 74%
$2,016/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 46%
170,603
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $873/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $10,476/year.

Median household income is $38,698/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Waco — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Waco?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $873/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Waco?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $38,698/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Waco

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 Waco vs. Visalia Waco vs. Fullerton Waco vs. Thornton Waco vs. Metairie Waco vs. Torrance Waco vs. Orange