Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Anaheim is 58% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,082/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 19%
$90,583/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 16%
$771,700 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 47%
$2,165/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 19%
344,553
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $14,500/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Anaheim or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Lancaster?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Lancaster?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $14,500/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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