Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs High Point, NC (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Irvine is 251% more expensive than High Point.

$2,893/mo ↑ 172%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 63%
$129,647/yr ↑ 112%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 53%
$1,115,400 ↑ 425%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 81%
$2,904/mo ↑ 168%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 63%
308,160
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,831/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $21,972/year.

Median household income is $68,419/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs High Point — common questions

Is Irvine or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and High Point?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $1,831/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or High Point?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $68,419/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Irvine or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View High Point details →

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