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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Modesto is 3% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,609/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 5%
$77,899/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 2%
$415,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 2%
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 8%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $1,816/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Modesto or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Lancaster?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Lancaster?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $1,816/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale