Cost of Living in Lancaster, CA
Population 170,013 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Lancaster cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $409,000, rents near $1,696 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lancaster
The median home value in Lancaster is $409,100 — 34% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,696/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,083/year is 2% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. The climate averages highs of 77.1°F and lows of 47.1°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 132 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 59 | 62 | 67 | 73 | 82 | 91 | 98 | 98 | 91 | 80 | 67 | 58 |
| Low °F | 31 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 53 | 62 | 67 | 65 | 57 | 46 | 35 | 30 |
| Precip" | 1.46 | 1.76 | 0.96 | 0.39 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.14 | 0.01 | 0.12 | 0.34 | 0.37 | 1.11 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lancaster, CA?
Lancaster has a cost index of 132 (100 = national average). It is 32% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, CA?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $1,696 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $409,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $76,083 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Lancaster, CA affordable?
Lancaster is above average in cost of living, with an index of 132 — about 32% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 77.1°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 6.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 170,013
- Median Income
- $76,083
- Home Value
- $409,100
- Median Rent
- $1,696/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 77.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
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