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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Raleigh is 38% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,468/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 34%
$82,424/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 9%
$377,800 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 103%
$1,487/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 36%
470,763
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $7,742/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Raleigh or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $7,742/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Garden Grove details →

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