Comparing Garden Grove and Westminster: Which Is Cheaper?

Garden Grove, CA vs. Westminster, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)

When it comes to cost of living in Garden Grove vs Westminster, which city comes out on top? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone weighing the real-life expenses of living in Garden Grove vs Westminster in 2025. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).

A couple walks with a stroller down a quiet, sunny street in Garden Grove, CA. — Garden Grove offers family-friendly neighborhoods with ample green space and mountain views.

1. Housing Costs

Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage costs compare between Garden Grove and Westminster:

Housing Type	Garden Grove	Westminster
2BR Apartment (Rent)	$2,400	$2,600
3BR House (Mortgage)	$3,500	$3,800

🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. Housing costs tend to be about 5-10% lower in Garden Grove compared to Westminster.

2. Utilities and Energy Costs

Utility bills are another key expense. In Garden Grove, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash. Costs are similar in Westminster, averaging $190 monthly. Both cities have relatively mild climates, so heating and cooling needs are moderate year-round.

🏆 Winner: Garden Grove, but only by a small margin. Utility costs are comparable between the two cities.

3. Groceries and Daily Expenses

Friends window shop along a lively commercial street in Westminster, CA. — Westminster’s vibrant business districts make it easy to run errands on foot and support local merchants.

For a typical family of four, grocery costs average around $1,100 per month in Garden Grove. Prices for staples like milk, bread, and eggs are similar in Westminster, with monthly grocery bills closer to $1,150. Eating out costs about 5% more in Westminster as well.

🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. You’ll save a bit on groceries and dining out compared to Westminster.

4. Taxes and Fees

Both cities have comparable property tax rates around 1.1%. However, Garden Grove’s average monthly expenses for city services and HOA fees tend to be slightly lower. In Garden Grove, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, while these are usually separate in Westminster.

🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. Lower fees give it the edge over Westminster.

5. Cost Summary

Expense	Garden Grove	Westminster
Housing (3BR)	$3,500	$3,800
Utilities	$180	$190
Groceries	$1,100	$1,150
Transportation	$500	$450
Taxes & Fees	$600	$650
Misc	$800	$850
Estimated Monthly Total	$6,680	$7,090

6. Lifestyle Fit

While costs are generally lower in Garden Grove, Westminster offers its own advantages. Westminster has more public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car. However, Garden Grove’s residential areas tend to be quieter and have more green space.

7. FAQ

Is Garden Grove more affordable than Westminster? Yes, the cost of living in Garden Grove is about 5-10% lower on average.
Which city has lower rent? Rent prices are typically a bit cheaper in Garden Grove.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Median home prices are lower in Garden Grove compared to Westminster.

8. Conclusion

Overall, Garden Grove comes out ahead on cost of living, with lower prices for housing, groceries, and city fees. A household moving from Westminster to Garden Grove might save $400 per month on major expenses. However, the best fit depends on your lifestyle needs. Commuters may prefer Westminster’s transit options, while families desiring space and quiet could favor Garden Grove.

Considering other California cities? Check out our cost of living breakdowns for popular spots across the state.

📊 Garden Grove Economic & Cost Outlook – July 2025

Looking ahead to the next couple months in Garden Grove, you're facing a mixed bag of financial pressures that'll impact your wallet differently depending on your situation. The job market remains solid with unemployment holding steady at 3.9% (Bureau of Labor Statistics), but that stability comes with a catch – home prices have surged 35.3% recently (Federal Reserve data), making it increasingly tough for renters to break into homeownership. With only 48% of residents owning their homes (Census Bureau) and the median household pulling in $91,960 annually, many families are feeling squeezed between rising housing costs and their daily expenses. Add in those painful gas prices at $4.49 per gallon (AAA reports) affecting the typical 30.3-minute commute, and your transportation budget is taking a serious hit alongside everything else.

As we head into warmer weather with temperatures already hitting 67°F under overcast skies, your utility bills are about to climb even higher – electricity already costs 31.77¢ per kWh here, meaning a typical household pays around $317.70 monthly for power (EIA data shows costs 15% above the national average). The warming pattern through summer will push cooling costs up, so if you're planning any major moves, consider acting sooner rather than later before peak AC season hits. For renters thinking about buying, the combination of rising home prices and steady employment suggests waiting might mean paying even more down the road, though the high gas and utility costs mean you'll need to budget carefully for ongoing expenses. The good news is that with personal income growing at 1.8% (Bureau of Economic Analysis) and stable employment, at least paychecks are inching up – just not as fast as most living costs in this expensive Orange County market.

Sources: NOAA Weather, FRED (Federal Reserve), U.S. Census Bureau, BEA, AAA Gas Prices • Updated July 22, 2025