Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Washington is 38% more expensive than Lancaster.

$1,900/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↓ 11%
$106,287/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↓ 28%
$724,600 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$409,100 ↓ 44%
$2,103/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↓ 17%
672,079
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $30,204/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Washington or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Lancaster?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Lancaster?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $30,204/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Lancaster details →

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