Is Lancaster, CA cheaper than Palmdale, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Lancaster, CA is 2.6% cheaper than Palmdale, CA. This translates to saving $197 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Palmdale, CA, you'd need approximately $147,636.436 in Lancaster, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Lancaster, CA is 2.6% cheaper than in Palmdale, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA compared to $1,862/month in Palmdale, CA.

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

Moving from Palmdale, CA to Lancaster, CA could save you approximately $197 per month, or $2364 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Palmdale, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $197/month moving to Lancaster, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.6K in Lancaster, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$197

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.4K

Per year

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

Palmdale, CA

Population:161K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$489K

Lancaster, CA

Population:166K

Cost Index:

(3% below avg)

Median Home:$412K

Palmdale, CA

The Golden State

161K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 161K residents.

Lancaster, CA

The Golden State

166K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Palmdale, CA vs Lancaster, CA

Category	Palmdale, CA	Lancaster, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,945/mo	$5,789/mo	↓ $156less	2.6%
Transportation	$1,840/mo	$1,792/mo	↓ $48.32less	2.6%
Other	$1,476/mo	$1,437/mo	↓ $38.75less	2.6%
Groceries	$960/mo	$948/mo	↓ $12.70less	1.3%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$508/mo	↓ $6.80less	1.3%
Healthcare	$511/mo	$505/mo	↓ $6.76less	1.3%

Housing

↓ 2.6%

Palmdale, CA

$5,945

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Difference

$156

less

Transportation

↓ 2.6%

Palmdale, CA

$1,840

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Difference

$48.32

less

Other

↓ 2.6%

Palmdale, CA

$1,476

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Difference

$38.75

less

Groceries

↓ 1.3%

Palmdale, CA

$960

Lancaster, CA

$948

Difference

$12.70

less

All Utilities

↓ 1.3%

Palmdale, CA

$515

Lancaster, CA

$508

Difference

$6.80

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.3%

Palmdale, CA

$511

Lancaster, CA

$505

Difference

$6.76

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,333

To$1,016

↓ $317

1 Bed

From$1,493

To$1,150

↓ $343

2 Bed

From$1,862

To$1,461

↓ $401

3 Bed

From$2,362

To$1,870

↓ $492

Palmdale, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,060–$2,060/mo

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.

$11,247

Monthly in Palmdale, CA

$10,978

Monthly in Lancaster, CA

$269

Difference

Home Values

Palmdale

Lancaster

$489K

Median Value

$412K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +31.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.5%

Homes in Lancaster are 16% less expensive than Palmdale

Calculate payment - Palmdale 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

Palmdale, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Palmdale, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Lancaster, 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.