Lancaster, PA vs Scranton, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Scranton is 16% cheaper than Lancaster. With a cost index of 74 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Scranton to Lancaster should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lancaster is $1,177/month compared to $991/month in Scranton — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Scranton is more affordable at $141,700 median vs $203,700.

Median household income in Lancaster is $63,421 compared to $49,531 in Scranton (+28%). 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 24% in Scranton.