Is Garden Grove, CA cheaper than Elk Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Garden Grove, CA is 34.8% more expensive than Elk Grove, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2609 per month.

What salary do I need in Garden Grove, CA to live like I do in Elk Grove, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Elk Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $181,303.747 in Garden Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Elk Grove, CA and Garden Grove, CA?

Housing in Garden Grove, CA is 86.4% more expensive than in Elk Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA compared to $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Elk Grove, CA to Garden Grove, CA?

Living in Garden Grove, CA costs approximately $2609 more per month than Elk Grove, CA, or $31304 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Elk Grove, CA vs Garden Grove, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Elk Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.6K/month more in Garden Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $181.3K in Garden Grove, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 34.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,609

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$31.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$596K

Garden Grove, CA

Population:168K

Cost Index:

135

(35% above avg)

Median Home:$833K

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Garden Grove, CA

The Golden State

168K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 168K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Elk Grove, CA vs Garden Grove, CA

Category	Elk Grove, CA	Garden Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,221/mo	$6,003/mo	↑ $2,783more	86.4%
Transportation	$1,387/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $771more	55.6%
Healthcare	$612/mo	$551/mo	↓ $60.85less	9.9%
Other	$1,766/mo	$1,724/mo	↓ $41.34less	2.3%
All Utilities	$524/mo	$557/mo	↑ $33.57more	6.4%
Groceries	$1,047/mo	$1,039/mo	↓ $7.50less	0.7%

Housing

↑ 86.4%

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Difference

$2,783

Transportation

↑ 55.6%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Difference

$771

Healthcare

↓ 9.9%

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Difference

$60.85

less

Other

↓ 2.3%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Difference

$41.34

less

All Utilities

↑ 6.4%

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Difference

$33.57

Groceries

↓ 0.7%

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Difference

$7.50

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,602

To$1,750

↑ $148

1 Bed

From$1,677

To$2,050

↑ $373

2 Bed

From$2,063

To$2,650

↑ $587

3 Bed

From$2,743

To$3,800

↑ $1,057

Elk Grove, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,000–$2,040/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$3,477

Difference

Home Values

Elk Grove

Garden Grove

$596K

Median Value

↓ -3.6%

YoY Change

↑ +24.6%

5-Year Change

$566K - $627K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Elk Grove

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Elk Grove, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Garden Grove, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Elk Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Garden Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.