Cost of Living in Lancaster, PA
Population 57,683 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Lancaster stay well under national norms: a median home value of $204,000 against median household incomes of $63,421 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Pennsylvania. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 55 miles northeast of Baltimore, Lancaster is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Housing prices track closely with Baltimore's $219,000 median.
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 $203,700 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,177/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,421/year is 15% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 63.8°F and lows of 42.8°F. Overall, Lancaster has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% 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 | 40 | 42 | 52 | 64 | 74 | 82 | 86 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 22 | 23 | 31 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 2.59 | 2.20 | 3.33 | 3.34 | 3.44 | 4.78 | 4.20 | 3.52 | 4.69 | 3.78 | 3.06 | 3.13 |
💨 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, PA?
Lancaster has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lancaster, PA?
The median gross rent in Lancaster is $1,177 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lancaster?
The median home value in Lancaster is $203,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster is $63,421 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lancaster, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lancaster is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Lancaster, PA affordable?
Yes, Lancaster is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lancaster?
Lancaster has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 42.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lancaster at a Glance
- Population
- 57,683
- Median Income
- $63,421
- Home Value
- $203,700
- Median Rent
- $1,177/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Pennsylvania Rankings
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