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Anaheim, CA vs Irvine, CA

167
Anaheim
California
VS
-24.1%
219
Irvine
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Anaheim is 24.1% cheaper than Irvine. With a cost index of 167 vs 219, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Anaheim to Irvine should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month compared to $2,893/month in Irvine — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Anaheim is more affordable at $771,700 median vs $1,115,400.

Median household income in Anaheim is $90,583 compared to $129,647 in Irvine (-30.1%). While Irvine is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Anaheim spend roughly 27.6% of their income on rent, more than the 26.8% in Irvine.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Anaheim
167
24% cheaper
Irvine
219
Median Household Income
Anaheim
$90,583
Irvine
$129,647
30% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Anaheim
$2,082
28% cheaper
Irvine
$2,893
Median Home Value
Anaheim
$771,700
31% cheaper
Irvine
$1,115,400
Population
Anaheim
344,553
Irvine
308,160

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Anaheim $2,031
Irvine $2,031
1 Bed
Anaheim $2,272
Irvine $2,272
2 Bed
Anaheim $2,835
Irvine $2,835
3 Bed
Anaheim $3,599
Irvine $3,599
4 Bed
Anaheim $4,010
Irvine $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Anaheim $3.28
Irvine $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Anaheim $2.68
Irvine $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Anaheim $4.31
Irvine $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Anaheim $1.98
Irvine $1.98
US $1.85
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Chicken breast
Anaheim $4.44
Irvine $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Anaheim $0.27
Irvine $0.27
US $0.19