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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Tacoma is 28% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,597/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 23%
$83,857/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↑ 8%
$454,600 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 68%
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 15%
220,482
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $6,309/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Tacoma or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $6,309/year higher in Garden Grove.
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 Tacoma or Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Garden Grove details →

More Comparisons

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