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Lancaster, CA vs Montebello, CA

125
Lancaster
California
VS
-15.5%
148
Montebello
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lancaster is 15.5% cheaper than Montebello. With a cost index of 125 vs 148, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lancaster to Montebello should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month compared to $1,771/month in Montebello — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lancaster is more affordable at $409,100 median vs $660,700.

Median household income in Lancaster is $76,083 compared to $74,955 in Montebello (+1.5%). Lancaster offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lancaster spend roughly 26.7% of their income on rent, less than the 28.4% in Montebello.

Climate-wise, Montebello is notably warmer with an average of 65.8°F compared to 62.1°F in Lancaster. Montebello receives more rainfall at 14.3" per year compared to 6.8" in Lancaster.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lancaster
125
15% cheaper
Montebello
148
Median Household Income
Lancaster
$76,083
1% higher
Montebello
$74,955

Housing

Median Rent
Lancaster
$1,696
4% cheaper
Montebello
$1,771
Median Home Value
Lancaster
$409,100
38% cheaper
Montebello
$660,700
Population
Lancaster
170,013
Montebello
61,376

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Lancaster $2,031
Montebello $2,031
1 Bed
Lancaster $2,272
Montebello $2,272
2 Bed
Lancaster $2,835
Montebello $2,835
3 Bed
Lancaster $3,599
Montebello $3,599
4 Bed
Lancaster $4,010
Montebello $4,010

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Lancaster $3.28
Montebello $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Lancaster $2.68
Montebello $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Lancaster $4.31
Montebello $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Lancaster $1.98
Montebello $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Lancaster $4.44
Montebello $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Lancaster $0.27
Montebello $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Lancaster 62.1°F
Montebello 65.8°F
Summer High
Lancaster 98°F
Montebello 82°F
Winter Low
Lancaster 31°F
Montebello 49°F
Rainfall
Lancaster 6.8"
Montebello 14.3"
Rainy Days
Lancaster 28d
Montebello 34d