Lancaster, PA vs Wilkes-Barre, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wilkes-Barre is 23.2% cheaper than Lancaster. With a cost index of 70 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wilkes-Barre 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 $939/month in Wilkes-Barre — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilkes-Barre is more affordable at $108,000 median vs $203,700.

Median household income in Lancaster is $63,421 compared to $47,970 in Wilkes-Barre (+32.2%). 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 23.5% in Wilkes-Barre.