Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Irvine is 172% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$2,893/mo ↑ 106%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 51%
$129,647/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 56%
$1,115,400 ↑ 342%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 77%
$2,904/mo ↑ 97%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 49%
308,160
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
6.99%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,488/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $17,856/year.

Median household income is $73,063/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Irvine or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $1,488/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $73,063/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and Connecticut?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Bridgeport details →

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