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Inglewood, CA vs Irvine, CA

154
Inglewood
California
VS
-30%
219
Irvine
California

The cost of living difference between Inglewood, CA and Irvine, CA is dramatic. Inglewood is 30% cheaper than Irvine, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Inglewood has a cost index of 154 while Irvine sits at 219, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Inglewood is $1,725/month compared to $2,893/month in Irvine — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Inglewood is more affordable at $744,300 median vs $1,115,400.

Median household income in Inglewood is $71,029 compared to $129,647 in Irvine (-45.2%). 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 Inglewood spend roughly 29.1% of their income on rent, more than the 26.8% in Irvine.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (64.5°F vs 64.9°F). Inglewood receives more rainfall at 11.8" per year compared to 11.2" in Irvine.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Inglewood
154
30% cheaper
Irvine
219
Median Household Income
Inglewood
$71,029
Irvine
$129,647
45% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Inglewood
$1,725
40% cheaper
Irvine
$2,893
Median Home Value
Inglewood
$744,300
33% cheaper
Irvine
$1,115,400
Population
Inglewood
105,575
Irvine
308,160

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

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

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

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

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

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Inglewood 64.5°F
Irvine 64.9°F
Summer High
Inglewood 77°F
Irvine 79°F
Winter Low
Inglewood 49°F
Irvine 49°F
Rainfall
Inglewood 11.8"
Irvine 11.2"
Rainy Days
Inglewood 38d
Irvine 41d