Carlsbad, CA vs Irvine, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Irvine has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Carlsbad | Irvine | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 233 | 225 | Irvine |
| Housing | 332 ($1,875) | 320 ($2,025) | Irvine |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Irvine |
| Food & groceries | 187 ($767) | 174 ($713) | Irvine |
| Utilities | 216 ($598) | 210 ($576) | Irvine |
| Healthcare | 216 ($432) | 210 ($416) | Irvine |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlsbad, CA or Irvine, CA cheaper to live in?
Irvine, CA is cheaper overall by about 8 index points (Carlsbad, CA: 233, Irvine, CA: 225; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Carlsbad, CA vs Irvine, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $81,550/year in Carlsbad, CA and $78,750/year in Irvine, CA to cover basic living costs.