Cost of Living in Lancaster, MA
Population 8,470 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Lancaster a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $467,000. At 9.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 15 miles northeast of Worcester, Lancaster falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 38% higher than Worcester's $340,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lancaster
The median home value in Lancaster is $467,400 — 53% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,985/month, 51% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $130,444/year is 75% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 152 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% more expensive.
Lancaster has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 37 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 78 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 40 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 56 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 30 | 22 |
| Precip" | 2.65 | 2.82 | 3.82 | 3.78 | 3.60 | 4.11 | 3.52 | 3.36 | 3.98 | 4.48 | 3.58 | 3.67 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lancaster, MA?
Lancaster has a cost index of 152 (100 = national average). It is 52% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, MA?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $1,985 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $467,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $130,444 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is Lancaster, MA affordable?
Lancaster is above average in cost of living, with an index of 152 — about 52% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 8,470
- Median Income
- $130,444
- Home Value
- $467,400
- Median Rent
- $1,985/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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