When deciding between an apartment or house in Garden Grove, CA, the differences go beyond just the layout. Apartments and houses each come with distinct monthly costs and lifestyle factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look at how these housing options compare in Garden Grove, from the rent and utility bills to the everyday experience.
Apartment vs House: Typical Layouts in Garden Grove
Picture a typical apartment in Garden Grove — a cozy 800 square foot 2-bedroom unit in a multi-story complex. The living areas flow together, with a combined kitchen, dining and living room. Bedrooms branch off from the main space for privacy. Outdoor access is limited to a small patio or balcony. Parking is often a shared lot or garage.
Now imagine a standard 3-bedroom house in the suburbs of Garden Grove. With 1,500 square feet spread across two floors, there’s ample separation between living and sleeping areas. The kitchen is its own defined room. A small private yard offers outdoor space and a dedicated driveway provides convenient parking. Some homes even have a bonus room or office.
These layout differences impact not just the feel of the home, but also the monthly expenses. Houses generally have higher rent or mortgage payments to account for the extra space. Cooling and heating costs are often higher due to the larger footprint. Apartments, while more compact, tend to be more efficient and affordable month-to-month.
Renting vs. Owning in Garden Grove: What You’ll Pay
Let’s get into the numbers. In Garden Grove, renting a 2-bedroom apartment typically costs around $2,200 per month, while a 3-bedroom house may rent for closer to $3,000 monthly. The average rent for a 3BR house in Garden Grove is $2,950 per month. Keep in mind, prices can vary based on neighborhood, age of the property, and included amenities.
For those looking to buy, the median home price in Garden Grove is $660,000 according to recent data. With a standard 30-year fixed mortgage and 20% down payment, that translates to a monthly payment of roughly $2,800 including property taxes and insurance. However, this doesn’t account for maintenance and repair costs that renters don’t have to worry about.
The cost of renting a house in Garden Grove has increased by about 5% over the last year. More affordable options can often be found in the Buena Clinton and West Garden Grove neighborhoods. Apartments remain the more budget-friendly choice for most residents.
Cost Comparison: Apartment vs House in Garden Grove
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of common monthly costs for apartments and houses in Garden Grove:
| Expense | 2BR Apartment | 3BR House |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | $2,200 | $2,950 |
| Utilities | $120 | $220 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Renters/Home Insurance | $15 | $80 |
| Maintenance & Repairs | $0 | $200 |
| HOA Fees | $250 | $0 |
| Total | $2,645 | $3,510 |
Estimates are for mid-range units with typical usage.
As shown above, the total monthly cost for a 2-bedroom apartment in Garden Grove averages $2,645, while a 3-bedroom house comes to $3,510 per month. That’s a difference of $865 each month or over $10,000 per year. For many, the extra space of a house comes at a significant cost.
Utility and Upkeep Differences
In addition to higher rent or mortgage payments, houses often come with increased utility and maintenance expenses compared to apartments:
- Water/Sewer: Houses usually have more bathrooms and higher occupancy, increasing water usage and costs. Apartments often include water in the rent.
- Electricity: Larger homes require more power for lighting and temperature control. Apartments benefit from shared walls and efficient layouts.
- Heating & Cooling: Garden Grove summers demand A/C. While houses provide more control, cooling a bigger space gets pricey. Apartments are cheaper to keep comfortable.
- Maintenance: From leaky faucets to exterior upkeep, houses come with more maintenance responsibilities and costs. Apartments handle most repairs and groundskeeping.
Utility costs for a 3-bedroom house in Garden Grove typically fall between $220 to $350+ per month depending on the season and usage. Apartments usually come in under $150 monthly for a 2-bedroom unit. Many Garden Grove apartments also include trash service and sometimes even internet in the rent.
Lifestyle Considerations: Apartment vs House
Finances are just part of the equation. Apartments and houses provide different lifestyles:
Apartments are popular among young professionals and couples who value affordability and convenience. With less space to furnish and maintain, apartment life can feel simpler. Many complexes offer amenities like pools and fitness centers. Apartments are often located in more walkable areas near dining and entertainment.
Houses appeal to families who need more room to spread out. A private yard provides space for kids and pets to play. Houses typically have more parking and storage. The extra square footage allows for home offices, playroooms and guest rooms. Suburban houses offer more peace and privacy but may mean a longer commute.
Priorities like walkability, outdoor space, and room for a growing family all influence the choice between an apartment or house. Many Garden Grove residents opt for apartments to save on housing costs while still enjoying a great location and amenities. Others are willing to spend more for the space and independence of a house.
Which is Cheaper Long-Term: Apartment or House?
While renting an apartment is almost always cheaper than a house month-to-month, owning a home has the potential to be more economical long-term. Let’s simulate the cost of each over 5 years:
Assuming 2% annual rent increases, a $2,200 apartment would cost a total of $138,600 over 5 years. That’s an average of $2,310 per month.
For a $660,000 house, monthly mortgage payments would stay steady around $2,800. Over 5 years, that comes to $168,000 total. However, the homeowner would build about $85,000 in equity during that time. Factoring in estimated maintenance and repair costs of $12,000 over 5 years, the total cost of ownership is closer to $95,000.
So while an apartment is cheaper in the short-term, owning a home can be the better value after 5+ years — and that’s not even considering the potential for property appreciation. Of course, this scenario assumes a 20% down payment. Saving up that $132,000 is the first hurdle to homeownership.
FAQs About Housing Costs in Garden Grove
How much more does a house cost than an apartment in Garden Grove?
On average, a 3-bedroom house costs about $865 more per month than a 2-bedroom apartment in Garden Grove. That factors in higher rent, utilities, insurance and upkeep costs.
Do houses always have higher utility bills than apartments?
In most cases, yes. Houses have more space to heat, cool and power. They also often have higher water usage and may not include any utilities in the rent like some apartments do.
Are apartments still cheaper than houses even with pet rent and parking fees?
Generally, even with extra fees, apartments come out cheaper than houses month-to-month. A pet fee or parking spot might add $50-$100 to the monthly rent, but that’s still less than the added costs of a house.
Making the Right Housing Choice in Garden Grove
Choosing between an apartment or house in Garden Grove is a balance of budget and lifestyle. Houses offer more space and independence but come with higher monthly costs. Apartments are the more affordable option, especially for those who value amenities and convenience over square footage.
Understand your average monthly expenses in Garden Grove to determine how much you can allocate to rent. Factor in other housing costs like property taxes and HOA fees as well. Weigh your priorities around space, location, and long-term goals. This will help you make the smartest, most budget-savvy choice for your needs.
Whether you decide on an apartment or house, you’ll find plenty of desirable options in welcoming Garden Grove neighborhoods. Start your search with a clear idea of your housing budget and must-haves. With a little research, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect Garden Grove place to call home.