Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Scottsdale is 6% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,910/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 3%
$107,372/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 16%
$709,900 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 8%
$1,824/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 11%
242,169
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $61/month cheaper in Scottsdale, saving renters about $732/year.

Median household income is $17,206/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Scottsdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 165 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $61/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $17,206/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and California?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Scottsdale and Garden Grove

Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins