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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Modesto is 32% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,609/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 22%
$77,899/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 16%
$415,600 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 84%
$1,613/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 25%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $12,267/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Modesto or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $12,267/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 Modesto or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Garden Grove

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley 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