Chambersburg, PA vs Lancaster, PA

Chambersburg, PA and Lancaster, PA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Chambersburg scores 82 while Lancaster scores 86 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chambersburg is $1,088/month compared to $1,177/month in Lancaster — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chambersburg is more affordable at $196,200 median vs $203,700.

Median household income in Chambersburg is $56,177 compared to $63,421 in Lancaster (-11.4%). While Lancaster is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chambersburg spend roughly 23.2% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Lancaster.