Arlington, VA vs Lancaster, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lancaster has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Arlington | Lancaster | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 190 | 79 | Lancaster |
| Housing | 248 ($1,593) | 59 ($824) | Lancaster |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Arlington |
| Food & groceries | 188 ($771) | 85 ($349) | Lancaster |
| Utilities | 174 ($446) | 80 ($106) | Lancaster |
| Healthcare | 174 ($322) | 80 ($77) | Lancaster |
| Median annual wage | 115 ($55,690) | 102 ($49,690) | Lancaster |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arlington, VA or Lancaster, PA cheaper to live in?
Lancaster, PA is cheaper overall by about 111 index points (Arlington, VA: 190, Lancaster, PA: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Arlington, VA vs Lancaster, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $66,500/year in Arlington, VA and $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA to cover basic living costs.