Garden Grove, CA vs. Anaheim, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to sunny Southern California? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between two popular cities in Orange County: Garden Grove and Anaheim. Whether you’re a family relocating for work, a professional choosing between job offers, or anyone curious about the real cost difference between these neighboring cities, read on for a breakdown of major living expenses in Garden Grove vs Anaheim in 2025. Note that all income figures are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax).
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and mortgage prices compare in Garden Grove and Anaheim:
| Housing Type | Garden Grove | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,400 | $2,650 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $3,800 | $4,200 |
🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. Housing costs an average of 10% less in Garden Grove compared to Anaheim.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. In Garden Grove, expect to pay around $180 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment. Costs are about 5% higher in Anaheim, averaging $190 monthly. Both cities have similar climates, so seasonal fluctuations in energy use for heating and cooling are comparable.
🏆 Winner: Garden Grove, but only by a slight margin. Average utility costs in Garden Grove are a bit lower than Anaheim.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
The cost of groceries, dining out, and everyday goods are very similar between Garden Grove and Anaheim. Expect to budget around $400-500 per month for food for a single person, or $800-1,000 for a family of four in either city. Restaurant prices are nearly identical, with an average dinner for two costing about $70.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There is no significant difference in food and daily living costs between the two cities.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Garden Grove and Anaheim have comparable property tax rates around 1.1% of assessed value. However, Anaheim has slightly higher utility taxes and service fees. For example, trash and sewer fees cost about $10 more per month in Anaheim vs Garden Grove. HOA fees are also 5-10% higher on average in Anaheim.
🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. While tax rates are similar, Garden Grove edges out Anaheim on lower city fees and HOA dues.
Cost of Living in Garden Grove vs Anaheim
| Expense Category | Garden Grove | Anaheim |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,400 | $2,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $190 |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $80 | $70 |
| Taxes & Fees | $300 | $350 |
| Misc Expenses | $640 | $640 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,000 | $4,300 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Garden Grove offers a lower cost of living overall, Anaheim has some lifestyle advantages to consider:
- Anaheim has more public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car.
- Anaheim is slightly more walkable, with a Walk Score of 54 vs Garden Grove’s 50.
- However, traffic noise levels are about 10% lower in Garden Grove farther from major freeways.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Garden Grove more affordable than Anaheim?
A: Yes, the cost of living is around 7% lower in Garden Grove compared to Anaheim, mainly due to cheaper housing.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Garden Grove has lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment costs $2,400 per month in Garden Grove vs $2,650 in Anaheim.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Homebuyers will find lower prices in Garden Grove. Mortgages on a 3BR home average $3,800 monthly in Garden Grove compared to $4,200 in Anaheim.
8. Conclusion
In summary, Garden Grove offers a lower overall cost of living than Anaheim, with cheaper housing, slightly lower utility costs, and lower city fees. A household moving from Anaheim to Garden Grove might save $300 or more per month on major expenses. However, Anaheim may still be preferred by those who prioritize public transit and walkability.
Ultimately, the best choice between Garden Grove and Anaheim depends on your individual budget, housing needs, and lifestyle priorities. We recommend digging deeper into the specific costs and living experience in Garden Grove to see if it’s the right fit for you. Considering other nearby cities? Check out our cost of living comparisons for other popular destinations in Orange County and throughout California.