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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Newark is 43% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,330/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 48%
$48,416/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 86%
$337,800 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 127%
$1,419/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 42%
307,188
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $41,750/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Newark or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $41,750/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Garden Grove

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis 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