Cost of Living in Irvine: Updated Prices, Other States Comparison

Irvine nestled in the heart of Orange County, California, United States is known for its excellent schools, vibrant job market, and picturesque landscapes. Students arriving in Irvine for higher education should plan a budget to manage their living expenses effectively. On average, an individual’s monthly cost of living in Irvine, excluding rent, is around USD 1,335.

Irvine boasts of prestigious universities recognised in the QS and THE rankings and offers its students a wonderful and pleasant environment to study. If you’re considering moving to Irvine for higher education, it’s important to stay informed about the latest updates on the cost of living in Irvine. This blog will delve into various essential categories of cost of living in Irvine. Let’s dive into the details.

Cost of Living in Irvine

On average, the monthly cost of living in Irvine for an individual is approximately USD 1,335, excluding rent. Renting a one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from USD 2,000 to USD 3,100. The overall cost of living in Irvine can differ based on an individual’s budget and lifestyle choices.

The cost of living in Irvine for an individual is influenced by several key factors, including housing rent, food and grocery expenses, public transportation costs, and utility bills. These costs can vary based on personal preferences and living standards you prefer. Here are some categories that contribute to the overall cost of living in Irvine:

Also Read: Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense

Costs of Accommodation in Irvine

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Irvine typically costs around USD 2500 per month for a single occupant whether you choose outside or inside the city centre, whereas a three-bedroom apartment can reach up to USD 4483 monthly. However, the overall housing expenses in Irvine vary based on factors like the apartment’s location and size.

Do you know, that housing costs hold a large portion of the cost of living in Irvine? Accommodation costs in Irvine are much higher than in other states of the US. By looking at the table below, you can understand the average housing cost in Irvine, both inside and outside the city centre:

Apartment	Location	Approx Monthly Cost
Single-Bedroom Apartment	City Centre	USD 2,477
Single-bedroom Apartment	Outside the Centre	USD 2,490
Three -bedrooms Apartment	City Centre	USD 4,483
Three -bedrooms Apartment	Outside the Centre	USD 3,943

Cost of a Utility in Irvine

Irvine people spend approximately USD 182 per month on primary utilities. It includes electricity, heating, water, garbage bills, etc. These costs vary with the size of the home and seasonal usage. For your convenience, we have already counted the cost of utilities to the cost of living in Irvine. In the following table, utility costs in Irvine are given for your reference:

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utility for an apartment (Water, Electricity, Cooling, Heating and Garbage)	USD 182
Internet Plan (60 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	USD 72
Monthly Mobile Phone Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	USD 48

Cost of Grocery in Irvine

In Irvine, students need to keep a monthly grocery budget as it is a primary and necessary part of the cost of living in Irvine. However, grocery costs may vary according to season, availability, quality and quantity. For your amenity, the average price of groceries in Irvine is shown in the table below:

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	USD 1.23
Eggs (regular) (12)	USD 4.00
Apples (1kg)	USD 5.45
Banana (1kg)	USD 1.71
Oranges (1kg)	USD 5.67
Tomato (1kg)	USD 4.68
Potato (1kg)	USD 3.30
Onion (1kg)	USD 3.30
Lettuce (1 head)	USD 2.62
Cheese (1kg)	USD 14.09
Rice (white), (1kg)	USD 5.03
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	USD 5.62
Water (1.5 litre bottle)	USD 1.98

Also Read: Cost of Living in Nashville: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Restaurant Food Costs in Irvine 

Irvine’s food scene is delicious and affordable! From casual eats to sit-down meals, there’s something to satisfy every craving and budget. Grab a tasty and budget-friendly meal at a local restaurant for around USD 20, or enjoy a night out with friends at a mid-range resturant expect to pay roughly USD 100 for a meal for two, which often includes three courses.

Transportation Costs in Irvine 

Irvine offers convenient public transportation options such as buses, light rail, and subways. Although there are fares involved, they are generally affordable, starting at around USD 2 for a ride. Transport costs depend on the type of service and distance travelled. 

Public transportation can be a budget-friendly way to get around Irvine, but one should consider this cost in the average cost of living in Irvine. To give you an idea, here’s a breakdown of the average cost.

Mode of Transport	Approx Monthly Cost
One-way Fare Ticket for Local Transport	USD 2.00
Regular Monthly Pass	USD 133.55
Taxi Start	USD 4.00 (Normal Tariff)
Taxi 1 km	USD 2.75 (Normal Tariff)
Taxi 1 hour Waiting	USD 32.00 (Normal Tariff)
Gasoline	USD 1.31 per litre

Cost of Living in Irvine Compared to Other Cities

Irvine might be a dream city for some but be prepared for a cost of living that reflects its desirability. Compared to the national average, Irvine sits significantly higher, Individuals need to thoroughly research the cost of living in nearby states to determine how affordable it is to align their financial goals with their lifestyle in Irvine.

For your reference, we have given the cost of living in Irvine compared to other cities like California, Los Angeles, and the USA. So to give you an idea of ​​how affordable it is to live in Irvine to pursue higher education compared to other cities. Please have a look:

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Irvine
Cost of Living in California	USD 1,340	Approximately equal to Irvine
Cost of Living in Los Angeles	USD 1,343	Approximately equal to Irvine
Cost of Living in the USA	USD 1,167	Lower than Irvine

Average Cost of Tuition Fees in Irvine

The primary expenses for a scholar pursuing higher studies at universities in Irvine are the cost of living in Irvine and the tuition fees. The average tuition fees at Irvine universities can vary based on the chosen program and level of education.

Determining the average tuition fees at universities in Irvine can be challenging for scholars. Therefore, the table below provides the average tuition fees at Irvine universities for your reference.

Name of University in Irvine	Approx Tuition Fees per year
University of California Irvine	USD 19300 – 71980
Concordia University Irvine	USD 20910 – 41390
UCI Paul Merage School of Business	USD 56700 – 69900
Westcliff University	USD 14310 – 21000
University of Massachusetts Global	USD 12520 – 23000

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Irvine. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.