Cost of Living in Lancaster, NY
Population 10,127 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Lancaster stay well under national norms: a median home value of $186,000 against median household incomes of $63,902 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in New York. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 10 miles east of Buffalo, Lancaster falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Buffalo's $152,000.
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 $186,300 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $839/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,902/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, below the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 56.8°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 95.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 32 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 19 | 20 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 58 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.35 | 2.49 | 2.89 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.23 | 3.23 | 4.10 | 4.03 | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Snow" | 26.7 | 18.1 | 14.1 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 7.8 | 25.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lancaster, NY?
Lancaster has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, NY?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $839 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $186,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $63,902 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Lancaster, NY affordable?
Yes, Lancaster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 56.8°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 95.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 10,127
- Median Income
- $63,902
- Home Value
- $186,300
- Median Rent
- $839/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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