Lancaster, PA vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lancaster has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lancaster | Philadelphia | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 79 | 82 | Lancaster |
| Housing | 59 ($824) | 67 ($926) | Lancaster |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 110 ($3.50) | Lancaster |
| Food & groceries | 85 ($349) | 81 ($332) | Philadelphia |
| Utilities | 80 ($106) | 84 ($121) | Lancaster |
| Healthcare | 80 ($77) | 84 ($87) | Lancaster |
| 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 Lancaster, PA or Philadelphia, PA cheaper to live in?
Lancaster, PA is cheaper overall by about 3 index points (Lancaster, PA: 79, Philadelphia, PA: 82; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lancaster, PA vs Philadelphia, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA and $28,700/year in Philadelphia, PA to cover basic living costs.