Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Denver is 19% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,770/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 4%
$91,681/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 17%
$586,700 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 30%
$1,839/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 5%
713,734
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
13.3%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $15,598/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Denver or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Lancaster?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Lancaster?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $15,598/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and California?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Lancaster details →

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