Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Lancaster is 48% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,696/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 62%
$76,083/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 66%
$409,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 154%
$1,746/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 51%
170,013
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,046/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $12,552/year.

Median household income is $50,386/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Lancaster or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Cambridge?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,046/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Cambridge?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $50,386/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

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Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland