Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Lancaster is 60% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,696/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 76%
$76,083/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 128%
$409,100 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 273%
$1,746/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 75%
170,013
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,289/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $15,468/year.

Median household income is $97,587/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Lancaster or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,289/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $97,587/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Santa Clara

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville