Westminster, CA vs. Garden Grove, CA: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Choosing between Westminster and Garden Grove in Orange County, California? This cost of living comparison will help you decide which city fits your lifestyle and budget in 2025. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals evaluating job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in Westminster vs Garden Grove.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare in Westminster and Garden Grove:
| Housing Type | Westminster | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $2,200 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $950,000 | $875,000 |
🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs about $200 less per month in Garden Grove compared to Westminster. Buying a home is also more affordable, with median prices around $75,000 lower for a 3-bedroom house.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are fairly similar between the two cities, since they share the same climate and energy providers. Expect to pay around $200-250 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2-bedroom apartment. Both cities offer off-peak pricing plans to help manage summer A/C costs.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Westminster and Garden Grove.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices and everyday costs like gas, dining out, and entertainment don’t vary much between Westminster and Garden Grove. Budget around $400-500 per month for groceries for a couple. One notable difference: Westminster’s large Vietnamese community means more affordable Asian grocery options.
🏆 Winner: Westminster, but only slightly. Asian supermarkets may offer more affordable groceries for some items.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both cities have similar property tax rates around 1.1-1.2%. However, HOA fees tend to be higher in Westminster — up to $500/month in some communities vs $200-300/month in Garden Grove.
🏆 Winner: Garden Grove. Lower HOA fees can mean significant savings for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Westminster | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $2,400 | $2,200 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $500 |
| Transportation | $100 | $100 |
| Misc | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,675 | $3,525 |
These pre-tax monthly income estimates show Garden Grove is around $150 cheaper per month, mainly due to lower housing costs. See a full breakdown of average monthly expenses in Westminster for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Westminster and Garden Grove offer a similar suburban Orange County lifestyle. Some key differences:
- Westminster has a larger Vietnamese community, with vibrant cultural events and dining options in Little Saigon.
- Garden Grove is slightly more walkable and closer to Disneyland.
- Both cities see mild weather year-round. July highs average 84°F.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Westminster more affordable than Garden Grove?
A: Overall, Garden Grove has a lower cost of living by about $150/month, mainly due to cheaper housing. See a full cost of living overview for Westminster.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Garden Grove rent prices are around $200/month lower for a 2-bedroom apartment compared to Westminster.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Median home prices are about $75,000 lower in Garden Grove vs Westminster for a comparable 3-bedroom house.
8. Conclusion
While Westminster and Garden Grove share many similarities, Garden Grove comes out slightly ahead on affordability, especially for housing costs. However, Westminster’s prominent Vietnamese community and cultural amenities may be a deciding factor for some.
Ultimately, both cities offer a relatively affordable slice of suburban Orange County living. Your specific housing needs, commute, and lifestyle preferences can help you decide which city is the best fit.