Lancaster, PA vs Washington, DC: Cost of Living Comparison
Lancaster has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Lancaster | Washington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 79 | 163 | Lancaster |
| Housing | 59 ($824) | 208 ($1,330) | Lancaster |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Washington |
| Food & groceries | 85 ($349) | 142 ($582) | Lancaster |
| Utilities | 80 ($106) | 154 ($374) | Lancaster |
| Healthcare | 80 ($77) | 154 ($270) | Lancaster |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,690) | 189 ($91,540) | Lancaster |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lancaster, PA or Washington, DC cheaper to live in?
Lancaster, PA is cheaper overall by about 84 index points (Lancaster, PA: 79, Washington, DC: 163; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Lancaster, PA vs Washington, DC?
A single adult needs roughly $27,650/year in Lancaster, PA and $57,050/year in Washington, DC to cover basic living costs.