Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Plano is 6% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,792/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 5%
$108,649/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 30%
$440,600 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 7%
$1,829/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 5%
287,339
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $32,566/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Plano or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Lancaster?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Lancaster?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $32,566/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and California?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

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