Cost Of Living In Lancaster, Pennsylvania (Taxes, Housing & More)

Lancaster, Pennsylvania has the distinct honor of being one of the oldest inland cities in America. With nearly 60,000 residents, it is the 8th most populous city in the state. It’s best known, however, for its thriving Amish population, and everything they bring – including baking, farm life, and more.

With a cost of living index of just 86.9, Lancaster is cheaper than the average US city to live and work in. Housing is incredibly inexpensive, with a housing cost of living index at 58.1. Lancaster is slightly more expensive when it comes to groceries and utilities, as well as property tax rates.

Are you thinking of moving to Lancaster for work, school, or to get away from a big city? This historic town has a lot to offer, including great entertainment and property prices. However, don’t get fooled – it’s not all cheap. Know the facts before you make your choice!

It’s clear that there simply isn’t a market for a larger, more expensive home – they don’t really exist in Lancaster! Just 0.3% of all homes are priced above $900,000, to give you a better idea of the inventory.

Only 12.5% of these homes are single-family dwellings, with the vast majority – 48.3% – being townhomes. 3.1% of homes were built in the last 20 years, while 12.4% of homes were built between 1970 and 1999. 26.5% of homes were built between 1940 and 1969. However, a shockingly high 58% of homes in Lancaster were built previous to 1940. Talk about history!

Bad news for potential homeowners, though – just because the property is cheap doesn’t mean you won’t pay in taxes! The average county tax rate in Lancaster County is 1.690%. This is significantly higher than the national average, which is 1.070%, and higher than the state average of 1.500%.

That means for a home purchased at the median price of $133,872, residents can expect to pay about $2,262 annually in property taxes. This is about $800 more than the national average for a home of this value.

Utility rates are one of the few ways that Lancaster comes in higher than the national average. The utility cost of living index is 104.3. For the average 915 square foot apartment, residents can expect to pay about $175/month for their basic utilities. This means water, electricity, heating, and cooling. The average high-speed internet connection in Lancaster will cost residents about $68/month.

The average residential electricity rate in Lancaster is 8.2¢/kWh. This is less than the national average of 11.88¢/kWh, and significantly lower than Pennsylvania’s average, which sits at 12.75¢/kWh.

One of the few ways that Lancaster comes in as more expensive than the national average is in food. The grocery cost of living index in Lancaster is 102.7. However, there are many places to ‘cut corners’ when it comes to grocery and food in Lancaster. A hub for Amish living, it isn’t hard to find local farmers and farmers markets where fresh and affordable goods can be had.

Lancaster is also home to numerous dining choices at any price range, including fine dining and modern French restaurants. Most people would be surprised to learn the variety and culture in Lancaster!

Lancaster is full of history, being one of the oldest inland towns in America. The Amish Farm and House is the first Amish tourist attraction, and the farm itself is over 300 years old. A dinner tour that includes an authentic Amish meal is $55/person, and during the holidays they offer a Christmas Cookie Tour that includes both recipes and cookies to take home. This costs $45 per adult or $30 per child.

The Central Market is also located in Lancaster, the oldest continually running public farms’ market in the country. It was established in 1730. There are a variety of bakeries, produce options, meat shops, and more. It’s free to look!

Finally, don’t miss Dutch Wonderland, a kids amusement park that has been running for 45 years. Tickets are just $39 for a single admission or $60 for a season pass.

If you enjoy shopping, Lancaster is home to several outlets, including Tanger Outlets and The Shops @ Rockvale. These are very popular tourist attractions, and often travelers just passing through the area stop for the great prices.

There are 56 elementary schools, 40 middle schools, and 15 high schools in Lancaster, with 41 schools total being within the public school district. 1 is a public charter school, and there are 116 total private schools. The public school system caters to over 67,000 students annually.

Lancaster schools regularly rank within the top 50% of Pennsylvania schools. The student: teacher ratio is 14:1, less than the state’s average of 15:1 and the national average of 16:1.

Lancaster has numerous higher learning institutes, including Franklin & Marshall College, Pennsylvania College-Art-Design, and Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences, all of which are private institutions. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a public school.

The median household income in Lancaster is $66,277, which has increased year-over-year. This is a great sign and shows that the area continues to produce jobs and pays well. The national median household income is $68,400, so Lancaster is slightly behind – but with the cost of living so low, it balances out for many.

Lancaster is 2 hours west of Philadelphia, and 50 minutes southeast of Harrisburg. It is 40 minutes southeast of York.

The biggest industries in Lancaster include healthcare, tourism, public administration, and manufacturing. Much of the town caters to the Amish population.

Only you can answer this question, but Lancaster has a lot going for it! If you’re looking to slow down your pace of life, you want to get closer to farmlands and nature, or you like the appeal of cheap property prices, Lancaster could be for your family.

The median household income being so close to the national average also makes Lancaster appealing. A higher quality of life can often be had when the cost of living is low, but income is high. Depending on your reasons for moving, Lancaster might just be perfect to call home.