Cost of Living in Lancaster, TX

Population 40,753 · Texas · Data vintage 2023

95
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Lancaster lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $230,000 — 25% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Texas. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Lancaster sits roughly 14 miles south of Dallas. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Dallas' $295,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 75
Rent 124

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Lancaster

The median home value in Lancaster is $229,900 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,627/month, 24% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,584/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Texas charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 77.1°F and lows of 56.8°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 95 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 5% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$229,900
25% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$269,941
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,627/mo
24% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,120/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$766
1 BR
$811
2 BR
$981
3 BR
$1,307
4 BR
$1,509
Owner-occupied 65.7%
Renter-occupied 34.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,627
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,241/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
32.3 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.8%
Carpooled
12.7%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.4%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
7.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) None
Total Sales Tax 8.2%
State rate 6.3%
Avg local rate 1.9%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$67,584
9% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,055
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
42% above avg
Poverty Rate
14.4%
Labor Force Participation
66.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.1%
Graduate degree 9.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.6
Male median age 30.3
Female median age 37.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
77.1°F
Avg Low
56.8°F
Annual Precip
37.7"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 576269768491969689796759
Low °F 384148556472757568584739
Precip" 2.552.573.573.704.343.871.911.802.954.542.783.08

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 55 — Moderate
33.4%
Good air days/yr
172
Max AQI recorded
233
PM2.5 days
124
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Lancaster, TX?

Lancaster has a cost index of 95 (100 = national average). It is 5% below the national average.

What is average rent in Lancaster, TX?

The median gross rent in Lancaster is $1,627 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Lancaster?

The median home value in Lancaster is $229,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Lancaster?

The median household income in Lancaster is $67,584 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Lancaster, TX?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 8.2%. Texas has no state income tax.

Is Lancaster, TX affordable?

Lancaster is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 95 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Lancaster?

Lancaster has average high temperatures of 77.1°F and average lows of 56.8°F. Annual precipitation is 37.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Lancaster at a Glance

Population
40,753
Median Income
$67,584
Home Value
$229,900
Median Rent
$1,627/mo
Unemployment
6.8%
Avg High Temp
77.1°F
Sales Tax
8.2%
View all cities in Texas →
🗺️ County data for Texas

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs