Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Irvine, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Irvine

California
256

Anaheim is 74% cheaper than Irvine.

$2,082/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 39%
$90,583/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 43%
$771,700 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 45%
$2,165/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 34%
344,553
Population
308,160

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $811/month cheaper in Anaheim, saving renters about $9,732/year.

Median household income is $39,064/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Irvine — common questions

Is Anaheim or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Anaheim is cheaper to live in with an index of 182 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Irvine?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $811/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Irvine?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $39,064/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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