Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Boston is 42% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,093/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 19%
$94,755/yr ↑ 25%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 20%
$710,400 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 42%
$2,176/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 20%
663,972
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $397/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $4,764/year.

Median household income is $18,672/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Boston or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Lancaster?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $397/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Lancaster?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $18,672/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and California?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Lancaster details →

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