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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Lancaster is 29% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,696/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 37%
$76,083/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 44%
$409,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 48%
$1,746/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 36%
170,013
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $33,697/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Lancaster or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Murrieta?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Murrieta?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $33,697/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

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