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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Ontario

California
152

Irvine is 68% more expensive than Ontario.

$2,893/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↓ 34%
$129,647/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 36%
$1,115,400 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$568,000 ↓ 49%
$2,904/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 32%
308,160
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $977/month cheaper in Ontario, saving renters about $11,724/year.

Median household income is $46,841/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Ontario — common questions

Is Irvine or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ontario is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Ontario?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $977/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Ontario?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $46,841/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

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