Lancaster, PA vs Pottstown, PA

Lancaster, PA and Pottstown, PA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.6% difference in their overall index. Lancaster scores 86 while Pottstown 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 $1,181/month in Pottstown — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lancaster has cheaper rent, Pottstown actually has lower median home values ($172,300 vs $203,700).

Median household income in Lancaster is $63,421 compared to $56,174 in Pottstown (+12.9%). 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 Lancaster spend roughly 22.3% of their income on rent, less than the 25.2% in Pottstown.