Cost of Living: Lancaster, CA vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Lancaster

California
124
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Lancaster is 11% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,696/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 6%
$76,083/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 86%
$409,100 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 17%
$1,746/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 15%
170,013
Population
116,916

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $65,270/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

Texas has no state income tax, giving The Woodlands residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Lancaster or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $65,270/year higher in The Woodlands.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and The Woodlands

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