Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Lancaster is 110% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,696/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 41%
$76,083/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 40%
$409,100 ↑ 227%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 69%
$1,746/mo ↑ 78%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 44%
170,013
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.9%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $698/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $8,376/year.

Median household income is $30,238/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

New York has a lower income tax rate, making Syracuse slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Lancaster or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Syracuse?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $698/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Syracuse?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $30,238/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between California and New York?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Syracuse

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Syracuse vs. Denton Syracuse vs. McAllen Syracuse vs. Savannah Syracuse vs. Olathe Syracuse vs. Rockford Syracuse vs. Gainesville