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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Richmond is 44% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,314/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 50%
$62,671/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 44%
$328,100 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 133%
$1,374/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 47%
227,595
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $657/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $7,884/year.

Median household income is $27,495/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Richmond slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Richmond or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $657/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $27,495/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and California?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% 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 Richmond or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Richmond and Garden Grove

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