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

Long Beach

California

169

Garden Grove

California

176

Long Beach is 7% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,803/mo ↓ 9%

Median Rent

$1,971/mo ↑ 9%

$83,969/yr ↓ 7%

Median Income

$90,166/yr ↑ 7%

$762,200 ≈ Same

Home Value

$765,500 ≈ Same

$1,890/mo ↓ 6%

Owner Costs

$2,016/mo ↑ 7%

458,491

Population

170,603

Tax Comparison

13.3%

Income Tax

13.3%

7.25%

Sales Tax

7.25%

0.71%

Property Tax

0.71%

Affordability

25.8%

rent-to-income

Affordability

26.2%

rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $6,197/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Long Beach or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Garden Grove?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $168/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Garden Grove?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $6,197/year higher in Garden Grove.

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 Long Beach or Garden Grove?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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.