Cost of living in Irvine
Irvine, located in the heart of Orange County, California, is known for its thriving economy, excellent educational institutions, and vibrant community life. Understanding the cost of living in Irvine is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $11 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $60 to $175.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $11, imported beer $7 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.16.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $6.61, with an average price of $5.58.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $5, averaging $3.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.73 to $13.21 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2, with a monthly pass priced between $67 and $75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.75 per km and $32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $2830, averaging $2561.43.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $3000, averaging $2375.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4100 to $5000, averaging $4575.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3500 to $4500, averaging $3991.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $7857.65 to $8374.32, averaging $8252.84.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $6921.19 to $8374.32, averaging $8132.13.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $290, averaging $186.77.
- Internet - Internet services range from $70 to $85, with an average cost of $74.89.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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Transportation
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Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Irvine offers a high standard of living with relatively high costs, particularly in housing and dining. However, the city's robust economy and high average salaries can offset these expenses.
For those looking to save, consider living outside the city centre where rental prices are lower, and take advantage of public transportation to reduce commuting costs.
Conclusion
Living in Irvine, CA, comes with its financial challenges, especially in terms of housing and dining costs. However, the city's excellent amenities, safety, and quality of life make it a desirable place to live.
Prospective residents should weigh the high costs against the benefits of living in a well-planned city with a strong job market and educational opportunities.