Irvine, CA vs Lake Forest, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lake Forest has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Irvine | Lake Forest | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 225 | 191 | Lake Forest |
| Housing | 320 ($2,025) | 252 ($1,831) | Lake Forest |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Lake Forest |
| Food & groceries | 174 ($713) | 176 ($722) | Irvine |
| Utilities | 210 ($576) | 176 ($454) | Lake Forest |
| Healthcare | 210 ($416) | 176 ($328) | Lake Forest |
| 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 Irvine, CA or Lake Forest, CA cheaper to live in?
Lake Forest, CA is cheaper overall by about 34 index points (Irvine, CA: 225, Lake Forest, CA: 191; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Irvine, CA vs Lake Forest, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $78,750/year in Irvine, CA and $66,850/year in Lake Forest, CA to cover basic living costs.