Cost of Living: San Bernardino, CA vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

San Bernardino is 38% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,433/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 38%
$63,988/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 41%
$384,900 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 99%
$1,478/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 36%
221,774
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $26,178/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Garden Grove?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $26,178/year higher in Garden Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to San Bernardino or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Garden Grove details →

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