Tempe, AZ vs Garden Grove, CA: 120 vs 176

$1,623/mo ↓ 18%

Median Rent

$1,971/mo ↑ 21%

$77,643/yr ↓ 14%

Median Income

$90,166/yr ↑ 16%

$421,900 ↓ 45%

Home Value

$765,500 ↑ 81%

$1,554/mo ↓ 23%

Owner Costs

$2,016/mo ↑ 30%

186,419

Population

170,603

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $12,523/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Tempe or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 176 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tempe and Garden Grove?

Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $348/month.

Which city has higher income, Tempe or Garden Grove?

Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $12,523/year higher in Garden Grove.

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 Tempe or Garden Grove?

It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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.

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

Tempe

Garden Grove

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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