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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Lancaster is 44% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,696/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 31%
$76,083/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 36%
$409,100 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 155%
$1,746/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 34%
170,013
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $27,695/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Lancaster or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Pasadena?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Pasadena?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $27,695/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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