salaryHouston is 15% 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
$1,533
$3,405
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,499
$3,344
💵 Families earn per year
$69,901
$147,451
🔑 Buying a house
$277,800
$1,191,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
98.6
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,198
$9,543
⚡ Electric bill per month
$157
$113
👥 People living there
2,328,253
311,690
Commute to work
27.2 min
24.7 min
College degree
36.6%
70.6%
Own their home
42.1%
44.5%
Below poverty line
19.9%
10.8%
Unemployment
6.9%
5.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Houston 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 | Houston | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter | $59,120 | $98,050 | +66% in Irvine |
| Police Officer | $74,570 | $121,980 | +64% in Irvine |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $22,080 | $35,850 | +62% in Irvine |
| Elementary School Teacher | $64,500 | $101,860 | +58% in Irvine |
| Carpenter | $49,670 | $75,740 | +52% in Irvine |
| Registered Nurse | $99,830 | $135,560 | +36% in Irvine |
| Restaurant Cook | $35,050 | $44,460 | +27% in Irvine |
| Cashier | $29,350 | $36,980 | +26% in Irvine |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Houston is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,533 a month there versus $3,405 in Irvine.
What salary do I need in Irvine to match $60,000 in Houston?
About $69,087 a year gives the same standard of living in Irvine.
Where do people earn more, Houston or Irvine?
The typical household earns $69,901 in Houston and $147,451 in Irvine, 53% more in Irvine.