Is Anaheim, CA cheaper than Irvine, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Anaheim, CA is 31.6% more expensive than Irvine, CA. This translates to spending an extra $2372 per month.

What salary do I need in Anaheim, CA to live like I do in Irvine, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Irvine, CA, you'd need approximately $178,461.538 in Anaheim, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Irvine, CA and Anaheim, CA?

Housing in Anaheim, CA is 71.1% more expensive than in Irvine, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,240/month in Anaheim, CA compared to $2,000/month in Irvine, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Irvine, CA to Anaheim, CA?

Living in Anaheim, CA costs approximately $2372 more per month than Irvine, CA, or $28462 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Irvine, CA vs Anaheim, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Irvine, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $2.4K/month more in Anaheim, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $178.5K in Anaheim, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 31.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,372

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$28.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Irvine, CA

Population:308K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Anaheim, CA

Population:341K

Cost Index:

132

(32% above avg)

Median Home:$969K

Irvine, CA

The Golden State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 308K residents.

Anaheim, CA

The Golden State

341K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 341K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Irvine, CA vs Anaheim, CA

Category	Irvine, CA	Anaheim, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$6,003/mo	↑ $2,495more	71.1%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,039/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$557/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$551/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,724/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 71.1%

Irvine, CA

$3,508

Anaheim, CA

$6,003

Difference

$2,495

Groceries

→ 0.0%

Irvine, CA

$1,039

Anaheim, CA

$1,039

Difference

same

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Irvine, CA

$2,158

Anaheim, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Irvine, CA

$557

Anaheim, CA

$557

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Irvine, CA

$551

Anaheim, CA

$551

Difference

same

Other

→ 0.0%

Irvine, CA

$1,724

Anaheim, CA

$1,724

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,350

To$2,690

↑ $1,340

1 Bed

From$1,550

To$2,750

↑ $1,200

2 Bed

From$2,000

To$3,240

↑ $1,240

3 Bed

From$2,800

To$4,400

↑ $1,600

Anaheim, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,410–$3,900/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,539

Monthly in Irvine, CA

$12,034

Monthly in Anaheim, CA

$2,495

Difference

Home Values

Irvine

Anaheim

Median Value

$969K

YoY Change

↓ -0.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38%

Price Range

$837K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Anaheim

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Irvine, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Anaheim, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Irvine, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Anaheim, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.