Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Irvine are Northwood, Yale Estates, and Walnut Square. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Irvine, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of November 7, 2025, the average rent in Irvine is $2,980, which is 1.9% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Northwood
Average Rent
$2,858/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
3.8%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Surrounded by lush parks and greenbelt areas, Northwood is a scenic neighborhood. Renters will appreciate the proximity to Northwood Community Park and the variety of nearby grocery stores. This neighborhood also features the Northwood Town Center for additional shopping and dining.
Yale Estates
Average Rent
$2,888/Month
Units Available
20 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Irvine neighborhood on a budget, check out Yale Estates. The average rent is $2,888, compared to the city average of $2,980. Yale Estates is convenient to Turtle Rock Nature Center, Irvine Valley Coll., Tustin, and Concordia University Irvine.
Walnut Square
Average Rent
$2,957/Month
Units Available
11 Rentals
Walnut Square is an affordable neighborhood in Irvine with an average rent price of $2,957. Compare this to the city average of $2,980. Walnut Square provides easy access to Brandman University, Irvine Valley College, Irvine, and John Wayne/Orange County.
El Camino Real
Average Rent
$3,088/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
El Camino Real stands out with its budget-friendly apartments and close-knit community feel. The neighborhood features Harvard Community Park, offering residents ample recreational opportunities. Additionally, the Crossroads Shopping Center is just a short drive away for all your retail needs.
University Park
Average Rent
$3,111/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
29/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
University Park is adjacent to the University of California, Irvine, providing easy access to campus as well as a variety of events hosted by the university. The William R. Mason Regional Park, ideal for picnics and leisurely walks, is nearby. Renters will also find convenient access to the University Park Center, a shopping plaza with numerous dining establishments and shops.
Terrace
Average Rent
$3,111/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Irvine, Terrace might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,111, while the city’s average stands at $2,980. Terrace is near Coastal Peak Park, Mason Regional Park, and Brandman University.
Marquee at Park Place
Average Rent
$3,143/Month
TransitScore® Rating
39/100
Units Available
28 Rentals
Marquee at Park Place is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Marquee at Park Place is $3,143 while the city average is $2,980. Residents enjoy convenient access to Harvard Place Shopping Center, Irvine Valley College, Irvine, and Concordia University Irvine. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.
Kelsey Lane
Average Rent
$3,192/Month
Units Available
23 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Irvine neighborhood on a budget, check out Kelsey Lane. The average rent is $3,192, compared to the city average of $2,980. Kelsey Lane is convenient to Long Beach (Daugherty Field), Oak Creek Shopping Center, and Alton Square.
Autum Glen
Average Rent
$3,192/Month
Units Available
23 Rentals
Autum Glen is an affordable neighborhood in Irvine with an average rent price of $3,192. Compare this to the city average of $2,980. Autum Glen provides easy access to Irvine Valley College, Irvine, Coastal Peak Park, and Crystal Cove State Park.
Windwood Garden
Average Rent
$3,239/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Irvine, Windwood Garden might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,239, while the city’s average stands at $2,980. Windwood Garden is near John Wayne/Orange County, Heritage Plaza, and Walnut Village Center.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.