Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Austin is 8% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,655/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 2%
$91,461/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 17%
$512,700 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 20%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
967,862
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $15,378/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Austin residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Austin or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Lancaster?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Lancaster?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $15,378/year higher in Austin.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Austin or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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.
View Austin details → View Lancaster details →

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