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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Orange

California
206

Irvine is 24% more expensive than Orange.

$2,893/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↓ 22%
$129,647/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 10%
$1,115,400 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$900,700 ↓ 19%
$2,904/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↓ 18%
308,160
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $641/month cheaper in Orange, saving renters about $7,692/year.

Median household income is $12,702/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Orange — common questions

Is Irvine or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orange is cheaper to live in with an index of 206 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Orange?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $641/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Orange?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $12,702/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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Orange details →

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