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

Based on cost of living data, Elk Grove, CA is 25.8% cheaper than Garden Grove, CA. This translates to saving $1935 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Garden Grove, CA, you'd need approximately $126,774.524 in Elk Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Elk Grove, CA is 46.4% cheaper than in Garden Grove, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,063/month in Elk Grove, CA compared to $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA.

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

Moving from Garden Grove, CA to Elk Grove, CA could save you approximately $1935 per month, or $23225 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Garden Grove, CA vs Elk 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 Garden Grove, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.9K/month moving to Elk Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.8K in Elk Grove, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 25.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,935

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.2K

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

Elk Grove, CA

Population:178K

Cost Index:

(26% below avg)

Median Home:$596K

Garden Grove, CA

The Golden State

168K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Elk Grove, CA

The Golden State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

Category	Garden Grove, CA	Elk Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,003/mo	$3,221/mo	↓ $2,783less	46.4%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,387/mo	↓ $771less	35.7%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$612/mo	↑ $60.85more	11.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,766/mo	↑ $41.34more	2.4%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$524/mo	↓ $33.57less	6.0%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,047/mo	↑ $7.50more	0.7%

Housing

↓ 46.4%

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Elk Grove, CA

$3,221

Difference

$2,783

less

Transportation

↓ 35.7%

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Elk Grove, CA

$1,387

Difference

$771

less

Healthcare

↑ 11.0%

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Elk Grove, CA

$612

Difference

$60.85

Other

↑ 2.4%

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Elk Grove, CA

$1,766

Difference

$41.34

All Utilities

↓ 6.0%

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Elk Grove, CA

$524

Difference

$33.57

less

Groceries

↑ 0.7%

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Elk Grove, CA

$1,047

Difference

$7.50

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,750

To$1,602

↓ $148

1 Bed

From$2,050

To$1,677

↓ $373

2 Bed

From$2,650

To$2,063

↓ $587

3 Bed

From$3,800

To$2,743

↓ $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.

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$8,556

Monthly in Elk Grove, CA

$3,477

Difference

Home Values

Garden Grove

Elk Grove

Median Value

$596K

YoY Change

↓ -3.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +24.6%

Price Range

$566K - $627K

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Garden Grove, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Elk 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.