Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Lancaster, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 8.6% cheaper than Lancaster, PA. This translates to saving $648 per month.

What salary do I need in Pittsburgh, PA to live like I do in Lancaster, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, PA, you'd need approximately $142,226.566 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 24.4% cheaper than in Lancaster, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,258/month in Lancaster, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lancaster, PA to Pittsburgh, PA?

Moving from Lancaster, PA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $648 per month, or $7773 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Lancaster, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area

Current salary in Lancaster, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $648/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.2K in Pittsburgh, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 8.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$648

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lancaster, PA

Population:57K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$309K

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:91

Lancaster, PA

The Keystone State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 57K residents.

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lancaster, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Lancaster, PA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,579/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $630less	24.4%
🛒Groceries	$1,044/mo	$989/mo	↓ $54.88less	5.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,268/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $52.16less	4.1%
📦Other	$1,569/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $37.87more	2.4%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$527/mo	↓ $37.62less	6.7%
⚡All Utilities	$581/mo	$607/mo	↑ $25.08more	4.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 24.4%

Lancaster, PA

$2,579

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$630

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.3%

Lancaster, PA

$1,044

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$54.88

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 4.1%

Lancaster, PA

$1,268

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$52.16

less

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

Lancaster, PA

$1,569

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$37.87

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.7%

Lancaster, PA

$564

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$37.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.3%

Lancaster, PA

$581

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$25.08

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Lancaster, PA: Lancaster Earned Income Tax$4,380/yr (2.9%)

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

Net difference+$120/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$906

To$750

↓ $156

1 Bed

From$1,008

To$850

↓ $158

2 Bed

From$1,258

To$1,050

↓ $208

3 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,400

↓ $233

Lancaster, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,290/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,606

Monthly in Lancaster, PA

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$712

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Pittsburgh

$309K

Median Value

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↑ +41.3%

5-Year Change

Calculate payment - Lancaster

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Lancaster, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Pittsburgh, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Lancaster, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.