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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Fresno is 19% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,324/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 28%
$66,804/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 14%
$348,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 17%
$1,391/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 26%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $9,279/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Fresno or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Lancaster?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Lancaster?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $9,279/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Fresno or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Lancaster details →

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