Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Long Beach is 36% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,803/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 6%
$83,969/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 9%
$762,200 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 46%
$1,890/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 8%
458,491
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $7,886/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Long Beach or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Lancaster?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Lancaster?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $7,886/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Lancaster

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale