Cost of Living in Irvine, CA

Population 308,160 · California · Data vintage 2023

307

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Irvine sits 266% above the national median — $1.1 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $129,647 (74% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Cost Overview

Housing 366

Rent 220

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Irvine

The median home value in Irvine is $1,115,400 — 266% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,893/month, 120% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,647/year is 74% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Irvine has a cost of living index of 307 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 207% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$1,115,400

266% above avg

Zillow Home Value

$1,541,924

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$2,893/mo

120% above avg

Zillow Rent

$3,361/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

32.1x

Favors renting

Property Tax Rate

0.7%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$1,195

1 BR

$1,241

2 BR

$1,544

3 BR

$2,163

4 BR

$2,556

Owner-occupied 43.8%

Renter-occupied 56.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$2,893

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $3,507/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

26.2 min

3% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

25.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

60.8%

Carpooled

6.0%

Public transit

0.9%

Walked

3.7%

Bicycle

1.3%

Work from home

25.9%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 13.3%

Total Sales Tax 8.7%

State rate 7.3%

Avg local rate 1.4%

Property Tax 0.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$129,647

74% above avg

Per Capita Income

$62,149

Unemployment Rate

5.5%

15% above avg

Poverty Rate

11.7%

Labor Force Participation

66.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.4%

Graduate degree 31.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 33.9

Male median age 33.5

Female median age 34.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate

43.8%

Good air days/yr

166

Max AQI recorded

204

PM2.5 days

142

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Irvine, CA?

Irvine has a cost index of 307 (100 = national average). It is 207% above the national average.

What is average rent in Irvine, CA?

The median gross rent in Irvine is $2,893 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Irvine?

The median home value in Irvine is $1,115,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Irvine?

The median household income in Irvine is $129,647 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Irvine, CA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Irvine is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.

Is Irvine, CA affordable?

Irvine is above average in cost of living, with an index of 307 — about 207% higher than the national average.

Irvine at a Glance

Population: 308,160
Median Income: $129,647
Home Value: $1,115,400
Median Rent: $2,893/mo
Unemployment: 5.5%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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