Bethlehem, PA vs Lancaster, PA

Lancaster is moderately more affordable than Bethlehem, with a 8.7% lower cost of living index. Bethlehem scores 94 compared to 86 for Lancaster, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bethlehem can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethlehem is $1,311/month compared to $1,177/month in Lancaster — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lancaster is more affordable at $203,700 median vs $236,500.

Median household income in Bethlehem is $66,443 compared to $63,421 in Lancaster (+4.8%). The higher salaries in Bethlehem partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethlehem spend roughly 23.7% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Lancaster.