Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Irvine, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Irvine are Windwood Garden, Walnut, and Northwood. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Irvine, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 22, 2025, the average rent in Irvine is $2,970, which is 1.5% 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.
Windwood Garden
Average Rent
$2,966/Month
Units Available
13 Rentals
Windwood Garden is an affordable neighborhood in Irvine with an average rent price of $2,966. Compare this to the city average of $2,970. Windwood Garden provides easy access to Peters Canyon Regional Park, Irvine Valley College, Irvine, and John Wayne/Orange County.
Walnut
Average Rent
$2,968/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.9%
TransitScore® Rating
28/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Nestled near the center of Irvine, Walnut offers easy access to Bill Barber Community Park, a perfect spot for outdoor activities. With several affordable housing options, this neighborhood is ideal for renters on a budget. The nearby Heritage Plaza provides convenient shopping and dining choices.
Northwood
Average Rent
$2,984/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.3%
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
11 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.
University Park
Average Rent
$3,003/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.3%
TransitScore® Rating
29/100
Units Available
17 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
$3,003/Month
Units Available
17 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 $3,003, while the city’s average stands at $2,970. Terrace is near Concordia University Irvine, UC Irvine, and Long Beach (Daugherty Field).
El Camino Real
Average Rent
$3,008/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.7%
TransitScore® Rating
34/100
Units Available
21 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.
Walnut Square
Average Rent
$3,032/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
Walnut Square is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Walnut Square is $3,032 while the city average is $2,970. Residents enjoy convenient access to Turtle Rock Nature Center, Irvine Valley Coll., Tustin, and John Wayne/Orange County.
Deerfield
Average Rent
$3,036/Month
TransitScore® Rating
31/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Irvine neighborhood on a budget, check out Deerfield. The average rent is $3,036, compared to the city average of $2,970. Deerfield is convenient to Long Beach (Daugherty Field), John Wayne/Orange County, and Mason Regional Park. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Kelsey Lane
Average Rent
$3,125/Month
Units Available
19 Rentals
Kelsey Lane is an affordable neighborhood in Irvine with an average rent price of $3,125. Compare this to the city average of $2,970. Kelsey Lane provides easy access to John Wayne/Orange County, Irvine Oaks Executive Pk, and Mason Regional Park.
Yale Estates
Average Rent
$3,126/Month
Units Available
14 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Irvine, Yale Estates might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,126, while the city’s average stands at $2,970. Yale Estates is near Mason Regional Park, Brandman University, and Irvine Valley Coll., Tustin.
Ready to make your move to Irvine? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
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.