Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Garden Grove, CA (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Seattle is 11% more expensive than Garden Grove.

$1,998/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↓ 1%
$121,984/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 26%
$912,100 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$765,500 ↓ 16%
$2,220/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↓ 9%
741,440
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $31,818/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Seattle or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Garden Grove is cheaper to live in with an index of 176 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $31,818/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Garden Grove

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville 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