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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Lancaster is 64% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,696/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 81%
$76,083/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 139%
$409,100 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 344%
$1,746/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 73%
170,013
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,369/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $16,428/year.

Median household income is $105,779/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Lancaster or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,369/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $105,779/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Sunnyvale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Sunnyvale

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Sunnyvale vs. Springfield Sunnyvale vs. Hollywood Sunnyvale vs. Kansas City Sunnyvale vs. Roseville Sunnyvale vs. Killeen Sunnyvale vs. Charleston