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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Visalia

California
104

Lancaster is 19% more expensive than Visalia.

$1,696/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,397/mo ↓ 18%
$76,083/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$79,952/yr ↑ 5%
$409,100 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$340,600 ↓ 17%
$1,746/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,509/mo ↓ 14%
170,013
Population
142,649

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
21.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Visalia, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Visalia, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $3,869/year higher in Visalia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $340,600 in Visalia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Visalia — common questions

Is Lancaster or Visalia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Visalia is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Visalia?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Visalia it's $1,397/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Visalia?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $79,952 in Visalia. Median household income is $3,869/year higher in Visalia.
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 Visalia?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/mo, while Visalia has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,397/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Lancaster details → View Visalia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Visalia

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Visalia vs. Thornton Visalia vs. Waco Visalia vs. Torrance Visalia vs. Fullerton Visalia vs. Gainesville Visalia vs. Metairie