salaryBoston is 5% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Irvine to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$3,405
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$3,344
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$147,451
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$1,191,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$9,543
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$113
👥 People living there
666,442
311,690
Commute to work
30.3 min
24.7 min
College degree
54.9%
70.6%
Own their home
35.7%
44.5%
Below poverty line
16.6%
10.8%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Irvine for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $78,180 | $121,980 | +56% in Irvine |
| Firefighter | $73,990 | $98,050 | +33% in Irvine |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $135,560 | +28% in Irvine |
| Plumber | $96,760 | $71,110 | -27% in Irvine |
| Dental Hygienist | $101,990 | $122,980 | +21% in Irvine |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $82,990 | -19% in Irvine |
| Physician Assistant | $142,410 | $161,890 | +14% in Irvine |
| Pharmacist | $139,660 | $157,440 | +13% in Irvine |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Boston is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $3,112 a month there versus $3,405 in Irvine.
What salary do I need in Irvine to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $62,937 a year gives the same standard of living in Irvine.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Irvine?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $147,451 in Irvine, 29% more in Irvine.