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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Garden Grove is 76% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,971/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 33%
$90,166/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 29%
$765,500 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 54%
$2,016/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 32%
170,603
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $660/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,920/year.

Median household income is $26,266/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Garden Grove or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Wilmington?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $660/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Wilmington?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $26,266/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Garden Grove or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Garden Grove details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Wilmington

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 Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge