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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Salem is 71% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,323/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 49%
$71,900/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 25%
$382,400 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 100%
$1,440/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 40%
176,666
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $648/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $7,776/year.

Median household income is $18,266/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Salem or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $648/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $18,266/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 Salem or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Garden Grove details →