Lancaster, CA vs San Rafael, 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 Rafael
58.5
#1954 nationally
San Rafael leads in walk score (53 vs 29). Lancaster leads in cost of living index (126 vs 213). San Rafael leads in median household income ($113,839 vs $71,367).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 61.5 (#1905) | 58.5 (#1954) |
| Population | 166,236 | 59,555 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $465,459 | $1,332,023 |
| Median Household Income | $71,367 | $113,839 |
| Average Commute | 30.9 min | 27.5 min |
| Walk Score | 29 | 53 |
| Crime Level | 22.9 | 15.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 126 | 213 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+32.9 | D+63.9 |
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 →
F
58.5 Score
San Rafael, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$1,332,023
Population
59,555
Crime
High
Walk Score
53
Pacific
View San Rafael, CA →
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