Harrisburg, PA vs Lancaster, PA

Harrisburg is moderately more affordable than Lancaster, with a 14.1% lower cost of living index. Harrisburg scores 74 compared to 86 for Lancaster, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lancaster can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Harrisburg is $996/month compared to $1,177/month in Lancaster — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Harrisburg is more affordable at $121,000 median vs $203,700.

Median household income in Harrisburg is $47,783 compared to $63,421 in Lancaster (-24.7%). 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 Harrisburg spend roughly 25% of their income on rent, more than the 22.3% in Lancaster.