2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Novato, CA vs Irvine, CA

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Highlights
Are people in Irvine older or younger than people in Novato?
- The Median Age in Irvine is 14.3 years younger than in Novato.

Are housing costs cheaper in Irvine or Novato?
- Irvine housing costs are 7.2% more expensive than Novato housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Irvine or Novato?
- The average commute for residents of Irvine is 7.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Novato.

Things to do in Novato?
Novato, California is located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. Novato is home to nearly 56,000 people and offers a mix of rural and urban attractions. Residents enjoy outdoor activities such as Mt. Burdell Open Space Preserve and the Novato Arts Center for its art galleries, plays, and music events. Novato also boasts several shopping destinations in addition to top-notch schools, hospitals and services. With its combination of small-town charm, big-city amenities and access to pristine natural beauty, Novato provides an excellent place to call home.

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!

 Novato, CAIrvine, CAUnited States
 Population  Unlock297,868329,725,481
 Median Income$107,975  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock33.838.4
 Avg. Home Price$1,052,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time32.59  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Novato    9 Reviews

Lush hills, hiking trails, and easy access to both wine country and San Francisco. We love it here.  More

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Over 10 years ago

Novato is a family oriented community located about 20 miles north of the Golden Gate bridge. The quality of life is excellent here assuming your job pays you enough to  More

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Over 11 years ago

We recently moved to a secluded neighborhood in Novato after 25 years in central Marin. While there are fewer restaurants and galleries, we are very pleased with our  More

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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

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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

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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

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