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

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Mesa is 39% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,478/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 33%
$78,779/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 14%
$364,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 110%
$1,404/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 44%
507,478
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $11,387/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Mesa or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $11,387/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Garden Grove

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs 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