Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Santa Ana is 7% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,975/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ≈ Same
$88,354/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 2%
$657,800 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 16%
$1,965/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 3%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,812/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Ana is cheaper to live in with an index of 163 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $4/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $1,812/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 Santa Ana or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Ana and Garden Grove

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