Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Lancaster is 46% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,696/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 41%
$76,083/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 45%
$409,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 158%
$1,746/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 41%
170,013
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $699/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $8,388/year.

Median household income is $33,990/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Lancaster or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $699/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $33,990/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Lancaster or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Costa Mesa

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria