Is Boston, MA cheaper than Garden Grove, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 3.2% cheaper than Garden Grove, CA. This translates to saving $244 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Garden Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $147,077.922 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Boston, MA is 12.1% cheaper than in Garden Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA.

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

Moving from Garden Grove, CA to Boston, MA could save you approximately $244 per month, or $2922 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Garden Grove, CA vs Boston, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Garden Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $244/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.1K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$244

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.9K

Per year

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

Garden Grove, CA

Population:168K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$833K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Garden Grove, CA

The Golden State

168K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Garden Grove, CA vs Boston, MA

Category	Garden Grove, CA	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $728less	12.1%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,830/mo	↓ $328less	15.2%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$743/mo	↑ $192more	34.8%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$716/mo	↑ $158more	28.4%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,825/mo	↑ $100more	5.8%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $39.97more	3.8%

Housing

↓ 12.1%

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$728

less

Transportation

↓ 15.2%

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$328

less

Healthcare

↑ 34.8%

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$192

All Utilities

↑ 28.4%

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$158

Other

↑ 5.8%

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$100

Groceries

↑ 3.8%

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$39.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,750

To$3,095

↑ $1,345

1 Bed

From$2,050

To$3,255

↑ $1,205

2 Bed

From$2,650

To$3,865

↑ $1,215

3 Bed

From$3,800

To$4,630

↑ $830

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$565

Difference

Home Values

Garden Grove

Boston

Median Value

$961K

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$261

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

Rate difference

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Garden Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.