Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Los Angeles is 51% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,879/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 10%
$80,366/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 5%
$879,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 53%
$2,055/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 15%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $4,283/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Lancaster?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Lancaster?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $4,283/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Lancaster details →

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