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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Ontario is 14% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,916/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 3%
$82,806/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 9%
$568,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 35%
$1,967/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 2%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $55/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $660/year.

Median household income is $7,360/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Ontario or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $55/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $7,360/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 Ontario or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Garden Grove

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa 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