Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Irvine, CA (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Irvine

California
256

Orlando is 141% cheaper than Irvine.

$1,650/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,893/mo ↑ 75%
$69,268/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$129,647/yr ↑ 87%
$359,000 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,115,400 ↑ 211%
$1,621/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,904/mo ↑ 79%
311,732
Population
308,160

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Irvine, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 256 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,243/month cheaper in Orlando, saving renters about $14,916/year.

Median household income is $60,379/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $1,115,400 in Irvine.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Orlando residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Irvine — common questions

Is Orlando or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Irvine?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Irvine it's $2,893/month — a difference of $1,243/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Irvine?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $129,647 in Irvine. Median household income is $60,379/year higher in Irvine.
How do taxes compare between Florida and California?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Irvine?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/mo, while Irvine has a cost index of 256 with rent of $2,893/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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