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Corona, CA vs Irvine, CA

156
Corona
California
VS
-28.8%
219
Irvine
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Corona is 28.8% cheaper than Irvine. With a cost index of 156 vs 219, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Corona to Irvine should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Corona is $2,136/month compared to $2,893/month in Irvine — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Corona is more affordable at $656,500 median vs $1,115,400.

Median household income in Corona is $106,438 compared to $129,647 in Irvine (-17.9%). The higher salaries in Irvine partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Corona spend roughly 24.1% of their income on rent, less than the 26.8% in Irvine.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Corona
156
29% cheaper
Irvine
219
Median Household Income
Corona
$106,438
Irvine
$129,647
18% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Corona
$2,136
26% cheaper
Irvine
$2,893
Median Home Value
Corona
$656,500
41% cheaper
Irvine
$1,115,400
Population
Corona
158,839
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
Corona $2,020
Irvine $2,031
1% cheaper
1 Bed
Corona $2,148
Irvine $2,272
5% cheaper
2 Bed
Corona $2,675
Irvine $2,835
6% cheaper
3 Bed
Corona $3,520
Irvine $3,599
2% cheaper
4 Bed
Corona $4,178
Irvine $4,010
4% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Corona $3.13
Irvine $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Corona $2.55
Irvine $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Corona $4.11
Irvine $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Corona $1.89
Irvine $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Corona $4.22
Irvine $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Corona $0.31
Irvine $0.27
US $0.19