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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Houston is 29% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,313/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 29%
$62,894/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 21%
$253,400 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 61%
$1,316/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 33%
2,300,419
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $13,189/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Houston or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Lancaster?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Lancaster?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $13,189/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Houston or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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