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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Irvine is 45% more expensive than Garden Grove.

$2,893/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↓ 32%
$129,647/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 30%
$1,115,400 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$765,500 ↓ 31%
$2,904/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↓ 31%
308,160
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $39,481/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Irvine or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $39,481/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Garden Grove details →

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