Home / Compare / Lincoln vs Orange

Lincoln, CA vs Orange, CA

153
Lincoln
California
VS
-16.2%
182
Orange
California

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lincoln is 16.2% cheaper than Orange. With a cost index of 153 vs 182, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lincoln to Orange should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lincoln is $2,081/month compared to $2,252/month in Orange — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lincoln is more affordable at $628,500 median vs $900,700.

Median household income in Lincoln is $108,108 compared to $116,945 in Orange (-7.6%). Orange does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Lincoln spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, less than the 23.1% in Orange.

Climate-wise, Orange is notably warmer with an average of 64.9°F compared to 61.2°F in Lincoln. Lincoln receives more rainfall at 18" per year compared to 11.2" in Orange.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Lincoln
153
16% cheaper
Orange
182
Median Household Income
Lincoln
$108,108
Orange
$116,945
8% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Lincoln
$2,081
8% cheaper
Orange
$2,252
Median Home Value
Lincoln
$628,500
30% cheaper
Orange
$900,700
Population
Lincoln
51,629
Orange
138,723

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

$
Formula:

Rent by Bedroom Size

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

Studio
Lincoln $1,784
Orange $2,031
12% cheaper
1 Bed
Lincoln $1,871
Orange $2,272
18% cheaper
2 Bed
Lincoln $2,305
Orange $2,835
19% cheaper
3 Bed
Lincoln $3,077
Orange $3,599
15% cheaper
4 Bed
Lincoln $3,552
Orange $4,010
11% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Lincoln $3.22
Orange $3.28
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Lincoln $2.62
Orange $2.68
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Lincoln $4.22
Orange $4.31
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Lincoln $1.94
Orange $1.98
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Lincoln $4.35
Orange $4.44
US $4.14
Electricity
Lincoln $0.26
Orange $0.27
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Lincoln 61.2°F
Orange 64.9°F
Summer High
Lincoln 94°F
Orange 79°F
Winter Low
Lincoln 38°F
Orange 49°F
Rainfall
Lincoln 18"
Orange 11.2"
Rainy Days
Lincoln 70d
Orange 41d