Davis, CA vs Garden Grove, CA

Davis, CA and Garden Grove, CA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. Davis scores 168 while Garden Grove scores 163 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Davis is $2,043/month compared to $1,971/month in Garden Grove — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Garden Grove is more affordable at $765,500 median vs $829,000.

Median household income in Davis is $87,421 compared to $90,166 in Garden Grove (-3%). Garden Grove offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Davis spend roughly 28% of their income on rent, more than the 26.2% in Garden Grove.