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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Ontario is 23% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,916/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 11%
$82,806/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 8%
$568,000 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 28%
$1,967/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 11%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $6,723/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Ontario or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Lancaster?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Lancaster?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $6,723/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Lancaster

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale