Is Lancaster, CA cheaper than San Bernardino, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Lancaster, CA is 23.0% more expensive than San Bernardino, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1721 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Bernardino, CA, you'd need approximately $170,655.846 in Lancaster, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Bernardino, CA and Lancaster, CA?

Housing in Lancaster, CA is 65.0% more expensive than in San Bernardino, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,461/month in Lancaster, CA compared to $2,080/month in San Bernardino, CA.

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

Living in Lancaster, CA costs approximately $1721 more per month than San Bernardino, CA, or $20656 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Bernardino, 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 San Bernardino, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.7K/month more in Lancaster, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $170.7K in Lancaster, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 23.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,721

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$20.7K

Per year

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

San Bernardino, CA

Population:222K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$448K

Lancaster, CA

Population:166K

Cost Index:

123

(23% above avg)

Median Home:$412K

San Bernardino, CA

The Golden State

222K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 222K 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: San Bernardino, CA vs Lancaster, CA

Category	San Bernardino, CA	Lancaster, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,508/mo	$5,789/mo	↑ $2,281more	65.0%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,792/mo	↓ $367less	17.0%
Other	$1,724/mo	$1,437/mo	↓ $287less	16.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$948/mo	↓ $91.49less	8.8%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$508/mo	↓ $49.56less	8.9%
Healthcare	$551/mo	$505/mo	↓ $46.77less	8.5%

Housing

↑ 65.0%

San Bernardino, CA

$3,508

Lancaster, CA

$5,789

Difference

$2,281

Transportation

↓ 17.0%

San Bernardino, CA

$2,158

Lancaster, CA

$1,792

Difference

$367

less

Other

↓ 16.7%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,724

Lancaster, CA

$1,437

Difference

$287

less

Groceries

↓ 8.8%

San Bernardino, CA

$1,039

Lancaster, CA

$948

Difference

$91.49

less

All Utilities

↓ 8.9%

San Bernardino, CA

$557

Lancaster, CA

$508

Difference

$49.56

less

Healthcare

↓ 8.5%

San Bernardino, CA

$551

Lancaster, CA

$505

Difference

$46.77

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,600

To$1,016

↓ $584

1 Bed

From$1,670

To$1,150

↓ $520

2 Bed

From$2,080

To$1,461

↓ $619

3 Bed

From$2,780

To$1,870

↓ $910

San Bernardino, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,670–$1,910/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.

$9,539

Monthly in San Bernardino, CA

$10,978

Monthly in Lancaster, CA

$1,439

Difference

Home Values

San Bernardino

Lancaster

$448K

Median Value

$412K

↓ -2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.7%

↑ +39%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.5%

$374K - $530K

Price Range

$412K

Homes in Lancaster are 8% less expensive than San Bernardino

Calculate payment - San Bernardino 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

San Bernardino, 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

San Bernardino, 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.