El Monte, CA vs Irvine, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
El Monte has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | El Monte | Irvine | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 139 | 225 | El Monte |
| Housing | 180 ($1,174) | 320 ($2,025) | El Monte |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 104 ($3.50) | Irvine |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 174 ($713) | El Monte |
| Utilities | 140 ($324) | 210 ($576) | El Monte |
| Healthcare | 140 ($234) | 210 ($416) | El Monte |
| 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 El Monte, CA or Irvine, CA cheaper to live in?
El Monte, CA is cheaper overall by about 86 index points (El Monte, CA: 139, Irvine, CA: 225; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in El Monte, CA vs Irvine, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $48,650/year in El Monte, CA and $78,750/year in Irvine, CA to cover basic living costs.