Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Irvine is 68% more expensive than Arvada.

$2,893/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↓ 38%
$129,647/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 13%
$1,115,400 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 46%
$2,904/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↓ 33%
308,160
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,091/month cheaper in Arvada, saving renters about $13,092/year.

Median household income is $16,251/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Arvada — common questions

Is Irvine or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Arvada?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $1,091/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Arvada?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $16,251/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Arvada details →

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