Cost of Living: Rancho Cucamonga, CA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Rancho Cucamonga

California
182
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Rancho Cucamonga is 47% more expensive than Lancaster.

$2,286/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 26%
$109,511/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 31%
$694,400 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 41%
$2,324/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 25%
174,693
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

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $590/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $7,080/year.

Median household income is $33,428/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rancho Cucamonga is $694,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rancho Cucamonga vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Rancho Cucamonga or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rancho Cucamonga and Lancaster?
Median rent in Rancho Cucamonga is $2,286/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $590/month.
Which city has higher income, Rancho Cucamonga or Lancaster?
Median household income is $109,511 in Rancho Cucamonga and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $33,428/year higher in Rancho Cucamonga.
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 Rancho Cucamonga or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Rancho Cucamonga has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,286/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 Rancho Cucamonga details → View Lancaster details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Rancho Cucamonga and Lancaster

Rancho Cucamonga vs. Salem Rancho Cucamonga vs. Oceanside Rancho Cucamonga vs. Cary Rancho Cucamonga vs. Clarksville Rancho Cucamonga vs. Santa Rosa Rancho Cucamonga vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale