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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Fremont is 124% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,905/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 42%
$176,350/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 57%
$1,289,400 ↑ 215%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 68%
$3,000/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 42%
228,518
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,209/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $14,508/year.

Median household income is $100,267/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Fremont or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Lancaster?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $1,209/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Lancaster?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $100,267/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Lancaster details →

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