Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Expensive, a master-planned Orange County city with top schools and high rent.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 148
Median 2BR rent: $3,200/mo
Housing: 175 vs 100
Groceries: 110 vs 100
Utilities: 98 vs 100
Transportation: 114 vs 100
Healthcare: 104 vs 100
Irvine offers safe, master-planned neighborhoods and highly rated schools in Orange County. Costs are well above the national average, with housing the dominant factor.