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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Lancaster is 36% more expensive than College Station.

$1,696/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 31%
$76,083/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 32%
$409,100 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 20%
$1,746/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 28%
170,013
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $24,307/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs College Station — common questions

Is Lancaster or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and College Station?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or College Station?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $24,307/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and College Station

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette