Lancaster, CA vs San Diego, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
San Diego
65.3
#1643 nationally
San Diego leads in walk score (52 vs 29). Lancaster leads in cost of living index (126 vs 165). San Diego leads in median household income ($89,457 vs $71,367).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 65.3 (#1643) |
| Population | 166,236 | 1,388,320 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $994,682 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $89,457 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 25.4 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | Moderate-Low |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 165 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+16.8 |
D-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →
D
65.3 Score
San Diego, CA
America's Finest City
Median Home
$994,682
Population
1,388,320
Crime
Moderate-Low
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Diego, CA →
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