Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Fairfield, CA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Lancaster is 26% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,696/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 29%
$76,083/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 34%
$409,100 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 45%
$1,746/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 27%
170,013
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $26,238/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Lancaster or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Fairfield?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Fairfield?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $26,238/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Fairfield

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill