Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Lancaster and Surprise have a similar cost of living.

$1,696/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 13%
$76,083/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 23%
$409,100 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 3%
$1,746/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 9%
170,013
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $17,288/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Surprise — common questions

Is Lancaster or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Surprise?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Surprise?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $17,288/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Surprise

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite