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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Concord

California
187

Irvine is 37% more expensive than Concord.

$2,893/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↓ 23%
$129,647/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↓ 16%
$1,115,400 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$755,900 ↓ 32%
$2,904/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↓ 21%
308,160
Population
124,260

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $667/month cheaper in Concord, saving renters about $8,004/year.

Median household income is $20,452/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Concord — common questions

Is Irvine or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Concord is cheaper to live in with an index of 187 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Concord?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $667/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Concord?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $20,452/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 Irvine or Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Concord details →

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