Lancaster is situated around 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. The charter city is easily accessible via I-5 and SR 14. Moreover, it is in close proximity to the Kern County line. To the south, the San Gabriel Mountains separate Lancaster from the Los Angeles Basin. Meanwhile, to the north, the Tehachapi Mountains act as a natural boundary between Lancaster and Bakersfield, as well as the San Joaquin Valley.

The climate in Lancaster ranges from semi-arid to arid, with cold winters and scorching, dry summers. Shrublands, woodlands, meadows, lakes, rivers, and croplands define the region. Summertime maximum temperatures can reach 100 °F (37.8 °C), while wintertime lows are at or near freezing. With an average annual precipitation of 6.81 inches (173 millimeters), there are often clear days even in the dead of winter. From July to September, thunderstorms are sporadic. In March, there may be some light frost, and April sees an increase in temperature. Numerous wildflowers, such as lupines, California poppies, fiddlenecks, and others, bloom in profusion in the spring. The Pacific tree frog or barn owl noises can be heard on cool summer nights. 2 inches (5.1 cm) of snow fall on average each year.

The Fox Field Industrial Corridor, North Valley Industrial Center, Lancaster Business Park, Enterprise Business Park, Centerpoint Business Park, and Southern Amargosa Industrial Area are just a few of the business and industrial parks in Lancaster, California. Before it was disbanded in 2012, the Lancaster Redevelopment Agency was instrumental in luring big corporations to the region, including SYGMA, Rite Aide, Bank of America, and others. The city's economic development office now manages the hiring of significant employers and works to draw shops and restaurants to various areas of the city. The rehabilitation of building facades and the inclusion of new shops and restaurants were results of the regeneration of Downtown Lancaster, also known as the Lancaster Old Town Site (LOTS). Two factories for electric buses and energy storage systems have been established thanks to Lancaster's collaboration with BYD, a renowned Chinese battery and vehicle manufacturer. Lancaster also takes pride in having California's greatest per-capita solar production.

In comparison to the rest of the nation, living costs are significantly higher in Lancaster, California. Housing, utilities, and transportation expenses are pricier, while groceries and healthcare can be a bit more affordable. The cost of living index, which is 15 points higher than the national average at 115, reflects this as well.