Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Lancaster, CA (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Philadelphia is 31% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,323/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 28%
$60,698/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 25%
$232,400 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 76%
$1,233/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 42%
1,582,432
Population
170,013

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $15,385/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Lancaster?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Lancaster?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $15,385/year higher in Lancaster.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View Lancaster details →

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