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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Moreno Valley is 18% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$2,036/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↓ 3%
$87,477/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 3%
$461,400 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 66%
$1,980/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 2%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Garden Grove, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $2,689/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Moreno Valley is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $2,689/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 Moreno Valley or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Garden Grove

Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville 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