Is Fullerton, CA cheaper than Lancaster, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Fullerton, CA is 5.2% more expensive than Lancaster, CA. This translates to spending an extra $389 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, CA, you'd need approximately $154,672.715 in Fullerton, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, CA and Fullerton, CA?

Housing in Fullerton, CA is 8.3% cheaper than in Lancaster, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,213/month in Fullerton, CA compared to $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA.

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

Living in Fullerton, CA costs approximately $389 more per month than Lancaster, CA, or $4673 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, CA vs Fullerton, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lancaster, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $389/month more in Fullerton, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $154.7K in Fullerton, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 5.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$389

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$4.7K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$412K

Fullerton, CA

Population:139K

Cost Index:

105

(5% above avg)

Median Home:$833K

Lancaster, CA

The Golden State

166K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Fullerton, CA

The Golden State

139K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 139K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lancaster, CA vs Fullerton, CA

Category	Lancaster, CA	Fullerton, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,789/mo	$5,309/mo	↓ $481less	8.3%
Transportation	$1,792/mo	$2,121/mo	↑ $329more	18.4%
Other	$1,437/mo	$1,694/mo	↑ $257more	17.9%
Groceries	$948/mo	$1,030/mo	↑ $82.41more	8.7%
All Utilities	$508/mo	$552/mo	↑ $44.69more	8.8%
Healthcare	$505/mo	$547/mo	↑ $41.95more	8.3%

Housing

↓ 8.3%

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Fullerton, CA

$5,309

Difference

$481

less

Transportation

↑ 18.4%

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Fullerton, CA

$2,121

Difference

$329

Other

↑ 17.9%

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Fullerton, CA

$1,694

Difference

$257

Groceries

↑ 8.7%

Lancaster, CA

$948

Fullerton, CA

$1,030

Difference

$82.41

All Utilities

↑ 8.8%

Lancaster, CA

$508

Fullerton, CA

$552

Difference

$44.69

Healthcare

↑ 8.3%

Lancaster, CA

$505

Fullerton, CA

$547

Difference

$41.95

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,016

To$1,462

↑ $446

1 Bed

From$1,150

To$1,712

↑ $562

2 Bed

From$1,461

To$2,213

↑ $752

3 Bed

From$1,870

To$3,174

↑ $1,304

Lancaster, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$1,630/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

$11,253

Monthly in Fullerton, CA

$275

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Fullerton

$412K

Median Value

↓ -3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +29.5%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Lancaster

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Fullerton, 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

Additional Tax Information

Lancaster, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Fullerton, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.