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Garden Grove, CA vs San Clemente, CA

163
Garden Grove
California
VS
-23.6%
213
San Clemente
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Garden Grove is 23.6% cheaper than San Clemente. With a cost index of 163 vs 213, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Garden Grove to San Clemente should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month compared to $2,398/month in San Clemente — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Garden Grove is more affordable at $765,500 median vs $1,220,500.

Median household income in Garden Grove is $90,166 compared to $134,735 in San Clemente (-33.1%). While San Clemente is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Garden Grove spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 21.4% in San Clemente.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (66.2°F vs 64.9°F). Garden Grove receives more rainfall at 11.9" per year compared to 11.2" in San Clemente.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Garden Grove
163
24% cheaper
San Clemente
213
Median Household Income
Garden Grove
$90,166
San Clemente
$134,735
33% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Garden Grove
$1,971
18% cheaper
San Clemente
$2,398
Median Home Value
Garden Grove
$765,500
37% cheaper
San Clemente
$1,220,500
Population
Garden Grove
170,603
San Clemente
63,510

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Garden Grove $2,031
San Clemente $2,031
1 Bed
Garden Grove $2,272
San Clemente $2,272
2 Bed
Garden Grove $2,835
San Clemente $2,835
3 Bed
Garden Grove $3,599
San Clemente $3,599
4 Bed
Garden Grove $4,010
San Clemente $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Garden Grove $3.28
San Clemente $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Garden Grove $2.68
San Clemente $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Garden Grove $4.31
San Clemente $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Garden Grove $1.98
San Clemente $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Garden Grove $4.44
San Clemente $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Garden Grove $0.27
San Clemente $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Garden Grove 66.2°F
San Clemente 64.9°F
Summer High
Garden Grove 84°F
San Clemente 79°F
Winter Low
Garden Grove 46°F
San Clemente 49°F
Rainfall
Garden Grove 11.9"
San Clemente 11.2"
Rainy Days
Garden Grove 38d
San Clemente 41d