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

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Portland is 22% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,596/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 23%
$88,792/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 2%
$557,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 37%
$1,771/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 14%
642,715
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
13.3%
0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $375/month cheaper in Portland, saving renters about $4,500/year.

Median household income is $1,374/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Portland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Portland or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Portland is cheaper to live in with an index of 138 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $375/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $1,374/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and California?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Portland and Garden Grove

Portland vs. Las Vegas Portland vs. Detroit Portland vs. Boston Portland vs. Memphis Portland vs. Washington Portland vs. Louisville 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