Cost of Living in Lancaster, OH
Population 40,902 · Ohio · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Lancaster's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $54,901 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
Located 25 miles southeast of Columbus, Lancaster falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Columbus' $235,000.
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 $180,200 — 41% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $999/month, 24% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,901/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Ohio's top state income tax rate is 3.8% and the combined sales tax is 7.2%. The climate averages highs of 63.1°F and lows of 41.2°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% 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 | 38 | 42 | 52 | 65 | 74 | 82 | 84 | 83 | 78 | 66 | 53 | 42 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 31 | 40 | 50 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 26 |
| Precip" | 2.88 | 2.28 | 3.57 | 3.94 | 3.79 | 4.39 | 4.39 | 3.11 | 3.21 | 2.87 | 2.99 | 2.88 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lancaster, OH?
Lancaster has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, OH?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $999 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $180,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $54,901 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, OH?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 7.2%. The Ohio state income tax top rate is 3.8%.
Is Lancaster, OH affordable?
Yes, Lancaster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 63.1°F and average lows of 41.2°F. Annual precipitation is 40.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 40,902
- Median Income
- $54,901
- Home Value
- $180,200
- Median Rent
- $999/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Ohio Rankings
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