Lancaster, PA vs Williamsport, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Williamsport is 23.9% 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 Williamsport 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 $825/month in Williamsport — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Williamsport is more affordable at $146,500 median vs $203,700.

Median household income in Lancaster is $63,421 compared to $49,363 in Williamsport (+28.5%). 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, more than the 20.1% in Williamsport.