Lancaster, PA vs Plum, PA

Lancaster, PA and Plum, PA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.2% difference in their overall index. Lancaster scores 86 while Plum 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 Lancaster is $1,177/month compared to $1,156/month in Plum — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Plum has cheaper rent, Lancaster actually has lower median home values ($203,700 vs $218,600).

Median household income in Lancaster is $63,421 compared to $98,475 in Plum (-35.6%). Plum offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lancaster spend roughly 22.3% of their income on rent, more than the 14.1% in Plum.