Is Garden Grove, CA cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Garden Grove, CA is 0.9% cheaper than Santa Rosa, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Santa Rosa, CA, you'd need approximately $149,158.544 in Garden Grove, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Garden Grove, CA is 13.5% cheaper than in Santa Rosa, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,650/month in Garden Grove, CA compared to $1,928/month in Santa Rosa, CA.

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

Moving from Santa Rosa, CA to Garden Grove, CA could save you approximately $70 per month, or $841 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Santa Rosa, 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 Santa Rosa, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $70.12/month moving to Garden Grove, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.2K in Garden Grove, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$70.12

Savings

Annual Impact

$841

Per year

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

Santa Rosa, CA

Population:176K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$713K

Garden Grove, CA

Population:168K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$833K

Santa Rosa, CA

The Golden State

176K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 176K 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: Santa Rosa, CA vs Garden Grove, CA

Category	Santa Rosa, CA	Garden Grove, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$6,939/mo	$6,003/mo	↓ $936less	13.5%
Transportation	$1,703/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $455more	26.7%
Other	$1,479/mo	$1,724/mo	↑ $245more	16.5%
All Utilities	$398/mo	$557/mo	↑ $159more	40.0%
Healthcare	$627/mo	$551/mo	↓ $76.01less	12.1%
Groceries	$1,030/mo	$1,039/mo	↑ $9.55more	0.9%

Housing

↓ 13.5%

Santa Rosa, CA

$6,939

Garden Grove, CA

$6,003

Difference

$936

less

Transportation

↑ 26.7%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,703

Garden Grove, CA

$2,158

Difference

$455

Other

↑ 16.5%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,479

Garden Grove, CA

$1,724

Difference

$245

All Utilities

↑ 40.0%

Santa Rosa, CA

$398

Garden Grove, CA

$557

Difference

$159

Healthcare

↓ 12.1%

Santa Rosa, CA

$627

Garden Grove, CA

$551

Difference

$76.01

less

Groceries

↑ 0.9%

Santa Rosa, CA

$1,030

Garden Grove, CA

$1,039

Difference

$9.55

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,331

To$1,750

↑ $419

1 Bed

From$1,469

To$2,050

↑ $581

2 Bed

From$1,928

To$2,650

↑ $722

3 Bed

From$2,649

To$3,800

↑ $1,151

Santa Rosa, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,940–$2,470/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.

$12,177

Monthly in Santa Rosa, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Garden Grove, CA

$144

Difference

Home Values

Santa Rosa

Garden Grove

$713K

Median Value

↓ -2.8%

YoY Change

↑ +12.2%

5-Year Change

$620K - $797K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Santa Rosa

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

Santa Rosa, 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

Santa Rosa, 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.