Lancaster, PA vs State College, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Lancaster has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lancaster | State College | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 79 | 103 | Lancaster |
| Housing | 59 ($824) | 119 ($860) | Lancaster |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | State College |
| Food & groceries | 85 ($349) | 63 ($258) | State College |
| Utilities | 80 ($106) | 110 ($214) | Lancaster |
| Healthcare | 80 ($77) | 110 ($155) | 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 State College, PA cheaper to live in?
Lancaster, PA is cheaper overall by about 24 index points (Lancaster, PA: 79, State College, PA: 103; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lancaster, PA vs State College, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA and $36,050/year in State College, PA to cover basic living costs.