Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Salt Lake City is 34% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,343/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 47%
$74,925/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 20%
$495,700 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 54%
$1,394/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 45%
203,888
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $628/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $7,536/year.

Median household income is $15,241/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $628/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $15,241/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between Utah and California?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Garden Grove

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