Harrisburg, PA vs Lancaster, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Harrisburg has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Harrisburg | Lancaster | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 63 | 79 | Harrisburg |
| Housing | 35 ($697) | 59 ($824) | Harrisburg |
| Transportation | 112 ($3.50) | 109 ($3.50) | Lancaster |
| Food & groceries | 64 ($262) | 85 ($349) | Harrisburg |
| Utilities | 68 ($63) | 80 ($106) | Harrisburg |
| Healthcare | 68 ($46) | 80 ($77) | Harrisburg |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,690) | 102 ($49,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harrisburg, PA or Lancaster, PA cheaper to live in?
Harrisburg, PA is cheaper overall by about 16 index points (Harrisburg, PA: 63, Lancaster, PA: 79; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Harrisburg, PA vs Lancaster, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $22,050/year in Harrisburg, PA and $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA to cover basic living costs.