Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Reno and Lancaster have a similar cost of living.

$1,453/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 17%
$78,448/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 3%
$498,600 ↑ 22%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 18%
$1,482/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 18%
268,959
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $2,365/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Reno or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Lancaster?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Lancaster?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $2,365/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and California?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Lancaster details →

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