Columbia, 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 | Columbia | Lancaster | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 133 | 79 | Lancaster |
| Housing | 138 ($1,399) | 59 ($824) | Lancaster |
| Transportation | 102 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Columbia |
| Food & groceries | 173 ($709) | 85 ($349) | Lancaster |
| Utilities | 119 ($248) | 80 ($106) | Lancaster |
| Healthcare | 119 ($179) | 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 Columbia, MD or Lancaster, PA cheaper to live in?
Lancaster, PA is cheaper overall by about 54 index points (Columbia, MD: 133, Lancaster, PA: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Columbia, MD vs Lancaster, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $46,550/year in Columbia, MD and $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA to cover basic living costs.