Lykens, PA vs Mertztown, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lykens is 16.8% cheaper than Mertztown. With a cost index of 69 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lykens to Mertztown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Lykens is $879/month compared to $1,150/month in Mertztown — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lykens is more affordable at $101,300 median vs $173,300.

Median household income in Lykens is $69,125 compared to $64,318 in Mertztown (+7.5%). Lykens offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lykens spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Mertztown.