Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Allen, TX (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Irvine is 87% more expensive than Allen.

$2,893/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↓ 35%
$129,647/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$129,130/yr ≈ Same
$1,115,400 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$429,900 ↓ 61%
$2,904/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↓ 28%
308,160
Population
107,684

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,016/month cheaper in Allen, saving renters about $12,192/year.

Median household income is $517/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Allen residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Allen — common questions

Is Irvine or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allen is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Allen?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $1,016/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Allen?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $517/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Allen details →

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