Cost of Living: Irvine, CA vs Santa Clarita, CA (2026)

Irvine

California
256
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Irvine is 30% more expensive than Santa Clarita.

$2,893/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↓ 14%
$129,647/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↓ 7%
$1,115,400 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$721,000 ↓ 35%
$2,904/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↓ 9%
308,160
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Santa Clarita, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $9,721/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Irvine or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Clarita is cheaper to live in with an index of 197 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $9,721/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 Santa Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Santa Clarita details →

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