Lancaster, PA

Below Avg · 77

Pennsylvania · Population 57,683 · Updated March 2026

$1,177
Median Rent / Month
$63,421
Median Income
$203,700
Median Home Value
$1,185
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Lancaster

22.3%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Pennsylvania

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

3.07%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.49%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,124
Annual Rent
$1,947
State Income Tax
$3,035
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Lancaster is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 77 (where 100 equals the national median), Lancaster residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,177/month while earning a median household income of $63,421/year.

The median home value in Lancaster, PA is $203,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,185 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 22.3% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Pennsylvania has a moderate income tax rate of 3.07%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.49% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Lancaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Lancaster

What is the cost of living in Lancaster, PA?
The cost of living index in Lancaster, PA is 77 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,177, median household income is $63,421/year, and the median home value is $203,700.
Is Lancaster, PA affordable?
Yes, Lancaster is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 77. The rent-to-income ratio is 22.3%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Lancaster, PA?
The median gross rent in Lancaster, PA is $1,177 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,124.
What is the median household income in Lancaster?
The median household income in Lancaster, PA is $63,421 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a top income tax rate of 3.07%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.49%.