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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Fremont

California
278

Irvine is 8% cheaper than Fremont.

$2,893/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ≈ Same
$129,647/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 36%
$1,115,400 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 16%
$2,904/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 3%
308,160
Population
228,518

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
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $46,703/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Fremont — common questions

Is Irvine or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Irvine is cheaper to live in with an index of 256 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Fremont?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Fremont?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $46,703/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Fremont details →

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