2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Irvine, CA vs Palo Alto, CA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in Palo Alto older or younger than people in Irvine?
- The Median Age in Palo Alto is 8.0 years older than in Irvine.

Are housing costs cheaper in Palo Alto or Irvine?
- Palo Alto housing costs are 175.5% more expensive than Irvine housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Palo Alto or Irvine?
- The average commute for residents of Palo Alto is 0.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Irvine.

Things to do in Irvine?
Irvine, California is an exciting city with something to suit everyone's taste. Enjoy the beautiful beaches at Laguna Beach and visit the unique shops of the Irvine Spectrum Center. Visit one of the many theaters or museums, explore University Park or take a walk along the San Diego Creek Trail. For those looking for outdoor recreation, there’s no lack of option - from mountain biking and skateboarding to kayaking and rock climbing. With its world-class schools, sprawling parks, and entertainment venues - it’s easy to see why Irvine is such a desirable place to live!

Things to do in Palo Alto?
Palo Alto, California is a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley. Home to Stanford University and various tech giants such as Google, Apple, and Facebook, it has long been known as the epicenter for cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking. Residents here enjoy warm weather year round, excellent public schools, a thriving nightlife scene, plus vast amounts of green space perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding. There's also no shortage of culture with world class museums and galleries showcasing some of the area’s most celebrated artworks. With its abundant resources and booming economy, Palo Alto truly offers something for everyone!

 Irvine, CAPalo Alto, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock68,624329,725,481
 Median Income$114,027  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock41.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,128,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock3.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time25.13  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Irvine    42 Reviews

We've lived in Irvine since '87. We have raised two children within the ISUD. Both are grown up. Sure, there have been many changes since then.. the City has  More

   |    Reply

I've lived in Irvine for 2 years and in Orange County for 10 so I'm pretty familiar with the area by now and all it has to offer. Perhaps my review of this place has  More

   |    Reply

I wouldn't live elsewhere. I originally moved to Irvine in 2002 from the Midwest, not knowing what it even was. I left and moved around a great deal locally in OC,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Irvine

Reviews for Palo Alto    8 Reviews

The Bay Area in general, but Palo Alto specifically provides many of the qualities sought by many; the climate is beautiful, there is access to cultural and recreational  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Very  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

VTA and SamsTrans and Caltrain all provide good service and most times frequency of service is  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Palo Alto


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.