Cheapest Cities Near Irvine (2026)

Irvine has a cost of living index of 158 (US avg = 100). Here are 8 more affordable metros to consider as alternatives.

More affordable alternatives

1
Flint, MI51% cheaper
COL: 771BR: $880/moSave $1,920/mo on rent
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2
McAllen, TX51% cheaper
COL: 781BR: $950/moSave $1,850/mo on rent
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3
Jackson, MS50% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $1,000/moSave $1,800/mo on rent
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4
Springfield, MO50% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $1,850/mo on rent
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5
Laredo, TX50% cheaper
COL: 791BR: $950/moSave $1,850/mo on rent
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6
Evansville, IN49% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $990/moSave $1,810/mo on rent
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7
Topeka, KS49% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $940/moSave $1,860/mo on rent
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8
El Paso, TX49% cheaper
COL: 801BR: $1,050/moSave $1,750/mo on rent
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Irvine at a glance

158
COL index
100 = US avg
$2,800
1BR rent
per month
$950K
Home price
median
9.3%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Boston, MACOL: 162Oakland, CACOL: 162Washington, DCCOL: 153Seattle, WACOL: 150

COL index sourced from Numbeo, Zillow, and BLS data · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only