Average Price of a One-Bedroom Apartment in Irvine

Like almost all costs of living in Southern California, rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Irvine has been steadily rising, nearly doubling in the past decade alone.

While rent will run high almost anywhere in Irvine, it’s more than possible to find a one-bedroom apartment that fits your price range. According to Zumper, the average cost of a one-bedroom in Irvine is currently around $2,837, significantly higher than the national average of $1,526 for a comparable apartment (As of July 2024). Assuming you’re living alone, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,300 to $3,100 or more for a one-bedroom apartment in Irvine.

The cost of one bedroom in Irvine will run fairly high anywhere in the city, but the neighborhood you choose can greatly impact how much you pay. Neighborhoods that run the highest cost of rent are near the University of California Irvine, such as the Irvine Business Complex, Turtle Rock and University Town Center, where you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $3,300 or more for a 1-bedroom.

You’ll perhaps get more bang for your buck in neighborhoods like Northwood and Woodbridge, but only by a slim margin. Though it’s possible to find lower rent, you’re still likely to pay a minimum of $2,650 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in these neighborhoods.

Also, keep in mind that a 1-bedroom apartment generally averages between 650 and 750 square feet. Many apartments have open floor plans that make the space feel more open even if the space is on the smaller side, which may be a good option to consider if you’re planning to live alone.

Budgeting

When budgeting your monthly expenses, remember to consider more than just the base cost of rent. Most apartments do not cover additional costs like utilities, WiFi and parking.

A good rule of thumb is for your rent to be 30% of your income before taxes. So, if your income is $40,000 annually, $1,000 per month should be the top of your rent budget. If you’re a current student or a recent grad, this is often an unrealistic expectation, but there are plenty of alternatives for affordable housing. 

Considering a co-living situation like Tripalink can help significantly offset some of your monthly expenses. Tripalink’s average rent in Irvine is $1,300 per person for a room in a four-bedroom apartment, providing a much more affordable alternative with a range of added benefits. Expenses such as utilities, WiFi, property maintenance, security systems and weekly cleanings are all built into the cost of rent in these fully furnished apartments.

Tripalink also uses a matching system to ensure you and your roommates are compatible, making co-living a unique opportunity to connect with new people in the area. Check out their articles on activities to do with your roommates and saving money as a recent graduate or college student.

Although the cost of living in Irvine is beginning to rival that of LA and San Diego, it’s more than possible to find affordable housing in the area and experience all that Irvine has to offer. Be sure to try some fun and affordable outdoor activities near Irvine!