Bethesda, MD vs Lancaster, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lancaster has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bethesda | Lancaster | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 241 | 79 | Lancaster |
| Housing | 324 ($1,706) | 59 ($824) | Lancaster |
| Transportation | 99 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Bethesda |
| Food & groceries | 256 ($1,050) | 85 ($349) | Lancaster |
| Utilities | 212 ($583) | 80 ($106) | Lancaster |
| Healthcare | 212 ($421) | 80 ($77) | Lancaster |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,510) | 102 ($49,690) | Lancaster |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethesda, MD or Lancaster, PA cheaper to live in?
Lancaster, PA is cheaper overall by about 162 index points (Bethesda, MD: 241, Lancaster, PA: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bethesda, MD vs Lancaster, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $84,350/year in Bethesda, MD and $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA to cover basic living costs.