Is Austin, TX cheaper than Lancaster, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 28.4% cheaper than Lancaster, CA. This translates to saving $2130 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Lancaster, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, CA, you'd need approximately $124,440.963 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, CA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 50.2% cheaper than in Lancaster, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lancaster, CA to Austin, TX?

Moving from Lancaster, CA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $2130 per month, or $25559 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, CA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lancaster, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in Lancaster, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.1K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $124.4K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 28.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,130

Savings

Annual Impact

$25.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lancaster, CA

Population:166K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$412K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:72

Median Home:$558K

Lancaster, CA

The Golden State

166K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 166K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lancaster, CA vs Austin, TX

Category	Lancaster, CA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$5,789/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $2,905less	50.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,792/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $507less	28.3%
📦Other	$1,437/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $304more	21.2%
🏥Healthcare	$505/mo	$589/mo	↑ $83.95more	16.6%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$541/mo	↑ $33.16more	6.5%
🛒Groceries	$948/mo	$959/mo	↑ $11.55more	1.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 50.2%

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$2,905

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.3%

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$507

less

📦Other

↑ 21.2%

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$304

🏥Healthcare

↑ 16.6%

Lancaster, CA

$505

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$83.95

⚡All Utilities

↑ 6.5%

Lancaster, CA

$508

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$33.16

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.2%

Lancaster, CA

$948

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$11.55

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,016

To$1,585

↑ $569

1 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,685

↑ $535

2 Bed

From$1,461

To$1,995

↑ $534

3 Bed

From$1,870

To$2,525

↑ $655

Lancaster, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$1,630/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$10,978

Monthly in Lancaster, CA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$2,979

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Austin

$412K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +29.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$412K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 36% more expensive than Lancaster

Calculate payment - Lancaster Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Lancaster, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Lancaster, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.