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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Sacramento is 6% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,694/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ≈ Same
$83,753/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 9%
$484,600 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 16%
$1,752/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ≈ Same
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,670/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Sacramento 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 Sacramento and Lancaster?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Lancaster?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $7,670/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Lancaster details →

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