Rents are right about where Irvine's 10-year trend predicts.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $3,465 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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Who lives here
Irvine, CA is majority renter-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 70.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Irvine, CA has changed in 5 years
The median rent in Irvine, CA stood at $2,481 in 2021 and currently runs about $3,465, reflecting a 39.7% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Irvine, CA now reports about $136,719, up from $114,027 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 4.6% since 2021, moving from about 297,868 residents to roughly 311,690. College-educated residents now make up 70.6% of adults here, versus 68.6% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Irvine, CA reflects that arc in its own way.
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Can you afford rent in Irvine on your salary?
At $3,465/mo, how Irvine rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Irvine rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Irvine. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Irvine
Last updated: August 17, 2026
The median rent in Irvine is $3,465/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $3,000/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $3,704/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $3,131/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $5,014/mo.
At 30% of local median household income ($136,719/yr), Irvine ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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What percentage of Irvine residents rent vs. own?
How does Irvine rent compare to the national average?
At $3,465/mo, rent takes ~30% of Irvine's median household income ($136,719/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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