Is Garden Grove, CA cheaper than Salinas, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Garden Grove, CA is 9.2% cheaper than Salinas, CA. This translates to saving $693 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salinas, CA, you'd need approximately $141,687.622 in Garden Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Garden Grove, CA is 18.3% cheaper than in Salinas, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA compared to $1,962/month in Salinas, CA.

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

Moving from Salinas, CA to Garden Grove, CA could save you approximately $693 per month, or $8312 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salinas, 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 Salinas, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $693/month moving to Garden Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.7K in Garden Grove, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$693

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.3K

Per year

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

Salinas, CA

Population:160K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$726K

Garden Grove, CA

Population:168K

Cost Index:

(9% below avg)

Median Home:$833K

Salinas, CA

The Golden State

160K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 160K 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: Salinas, CA vs Garden Grove, CA

Category	Salinas, CA	Garden Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,344/mo	$6,003/mo	↓ $1,341less	18.3%
Transportation	$1,188/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $971more	81.7%
Other	$1,540/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $184more	11.9%
All Utilities	$427/mo	$557/mo	↑ $131more	30.6%
Healthcare	$649/mo	$551/mo	↓ $97.52less	15.0%
Groceries	$1,037/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $1.79more	0.2%

Housing

↓ 18.3%

Salinas, CA

$7,344

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Difference

$1,341

less

Transportation

↑ 81.7%

Salinas, CA

$1,188

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Difference

$971

Other

↑ 11.9%

Salinas, CA

$1,540

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Difference

$184

All Utilities

↑ 30.6%

Salinas, CA

$427

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Difference

$131

Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

Salinas, CA

$649

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Difference

$97.52

less

Groceries

↑ 0.2%

Salinas, CA

$1,037

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Difference

$1.79

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,589

To$1,750

↑ $161

1 Bed

From$1,632

To$2,050

↑ $418

2 Bed

From$1,962

To$2,650

↑ $688

3 Bed

From$2,648

To$3,800

↑ $1,152

Salinas, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,240–$2,880/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.

$12,185

Monthly in Salinas, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$152

Difference

Home Values

Salinas

Garden Grove

$726K

Median Value

↓ -1.2%

YoY Change

↑ +28.6%

5-Year Change

$648K - $1.14M

Price Range

Calculate payment - Salinas

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

Salinas, 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

Salinas, 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.