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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Lancaster is 36% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,696/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 25%
$76,083/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 37%
$409,100 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 110%
$1,746/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 29%
170,013
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $428/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $5,136/year.

Median household income is $28,136/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Lancaster or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Fullerton?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $428/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Fullerton?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $28,136/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Fullerton

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren