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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Lancaster is 18% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,696/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 6%
$76,083/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 49%
$409,100 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 47%
$1,746/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 12%
170,013
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $37,313/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Arvada — common questions

Is Lancaster or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Arvada?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Arvada?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $37,313/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Arvada

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence