Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Lancaster is 57% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,696/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
$76,083/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 33%
$409,100 ↑ 84%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 46%
$1,746/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 27%
170,013
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $24,744/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Springfield — common questions

Is Lancaster or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Springfield?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Springfield?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $24,744/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Springfield details →

More Comparisons

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