Is Garden Grove, CA cheaper than Lakewood, CO?

Based on cost of living data, Garden Grove, CA is 44.8% more expensive than Lakewood, CO. This translates to spending an extra $3359 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lakewood, CO, you'd need approximately $190,310.724 in Garden Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Garden Grove, CA is 112.4% more expensive than in Lakewood, CO. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA compared to $1,599/month in Lakewood, CO.

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

Living in Garden Grove, CA costs approximately $3359 more per month than Lakewood, CO, or $40311 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lakewood, CO 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 Lakewood, CO

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $3.4K/month more in Garden Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $190.3K in Garden Grove, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO area

Overall Cost

↑ 44.8%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,359

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$40.3K

Per year

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

Lakewood, CO

Population:156K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$585K

Garden Grove, CA

Population:168K

Cost Index:

145

(45% above avg)

Median Home:$833K

Lakewood, CO

The Centennial State

156K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Colorado, this city has a population of 156K 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: Lakewood, CO vs Garden Grove, CA

Category	Lakewood, CO	Garden Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,827/mo	$6,003/mo	↑ $3,176more	112.4%
Transportation	$1,413/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $745more	52.7%
Healthcare	$621/mo	$551/mo	↓ $70.00less	11.3%
All Utilities	$510/mo	$557/mo	↑ $46.91more	9.2%
Groceries	$1,012/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $27.16more	2.7%
Other	$1,716/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $8.48more	0.5%

Housing

↑ 112.4%

Lakewood, CO

$2,827

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Difference

$3,176

Transportation

↑ 52.7%

Lakewood, CO

$1,413

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Difference

$745

Healthcare

↓ 11.3%

Lakewood, CO

$621

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Difference

$70.00

less

All Utilities

↑ 9.2%

Lakewood, CO

$510

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Difference

$46.91

Groceries

↑ 2.7%

Lakewood, CO

$1,012

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Difference

$27.16

Other

↑ 0.5%

Lakewood, CO

$1,716

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Difference

$8.48

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,257

To$1,750

↑ $493

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$2,050

↑ $706

2 Bed

From$1,599

To$2,650

↑ $1,051

3 Bed

From$2,092

To$3,800

↑ $1,708

Lakewood, COZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,620–$1,900/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.

$8,100

Monthly in Lakewood, CO

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$3,934

Difference

Home Values

Lakewood

Garden Grove

$585K

Median Value

↓ -2.6%

YoY Change

↑ +20.1%

5-Year Change

$519K - $652K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Lakewood

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$336

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.7%

Rate difference

Lakewood, CO

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Colorado State Tax

Effective: 4.4%

$6.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.1%

$43.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,866/month

$106.4K

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

Lakewood, CO Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.8%

Property Tax:0.5%

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.