Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Lancaster is 7% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,696/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 16%
$76,083/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 10%
$409,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 50%
$1,746/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 16%
170,013
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $265/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $3,180/year.

Median household income is $7,705/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Lancaster or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $265/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $7,705/year higher in Lancaster.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and East Los Angeles

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale East Los Angeles vs. Lowell East Los Angeles vs. Carlsbad East Los Angeles vs. League City East Los Angeles vs. Waterbury East Los Angeles vs. High Point East Los Angeles vs. Provo