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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Ventura

California
183

Irvine is 40% more expensive than Ventura.

$2,893/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↓ 27%
$129,647/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↓ 23%
$1,115,400 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$778,700 ↓ 30%
$2,904/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↓ 27%
308,160
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Ventura, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $29,240/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Ventura — common questions

Is Irvine or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ventura is cheaper to live in with an index of 183 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Ventura?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Ventura?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $29,240/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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Irvine details → View Ventura details →

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