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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.
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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
Answer: The average cost of living in Irvine is around USD 1,335 without rent. However, this living cost amount can vary significantly depending on the specific neighbourhood and individual lifestyle preferences.
Answer: The average cost of living in Irvine is approximately USD 1,335, which is higher than the average cost of living in the United States of USD 1,168. So yes, living in Irvine, is a little expensive, but it offers an amazing lifestyle for students.
Answer: You need about USD 1,335 without rent to live comfortably in Irvine. This amount is approximately the same as the cost of living in Irvine for one person without rent.
Answer: The average cost of living for one person in Irvine without rent is approximately USD 1,335. Whereas, the average cost of living for a single person in Los Angeles (LA) is around USD 1,343 without rent. This shows that both the cities are almost equal to each other.
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.
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