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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Stockton is 35% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,495/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 32%
$76,851/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 17%
$412,900 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 85%
$1,555/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 30%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $13,315/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Stockton or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $13,315/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 Stockton or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

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