Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Lancaster, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.4% cheaper than Lancaster, PA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lancaster, PA, you'd need approximately $149,617.718 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lancaster, PA and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 4.3% cheaper than in Lancaster, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,258/month in Lancaster, PA.

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

Moving from Lancaster, PA to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $32 per month, or $382 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lancaster, PA vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $31.86/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.6K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$31.86

Savings

Annual Impact

$382

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Lancaster, PA

The Keystone State

57K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lancaster, PA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Lancaster, PA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
📦Other	$1,569/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $138more	8.8%
🏠Housing	$2,579/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $110less	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,044/mo	$959/mo	↓ $84.86less	8.1%
🏥Healthcare	$564/mo	$601/mo	↑ $36.73more	6.5%
⚡All Utilities	$581/mo	$546/mo	↓ $35.02less	6.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,268/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $16.14more	1.3%

📦Other

↑ 8.8%

Lancaster, PA

$1,569

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$138

🏠Housing

↓ 4.3%

Lancaster, PA

$2,579

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$110

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 8.1%

Lancaster, PA

$1,044

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$84.86

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.5%

Lancaster, PA

$564

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$36.73

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.0%

Lancaster, PA

$581

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$35.02

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.3%

Lancaster, PA

$1,268

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$16.14

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC has no local income tax.

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$906

To$1,570

↑ $664

1 Bed

From$1,008

To$1,640

↑ $632

2 Bed

From$1,258

To$1,800

↑ $542

3 Bed

From$1,633

To$2,255

↑ $622

Lancaster, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,290–$1,290/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$39.19

Difference

Home Values

Lancaster

Raleigh

$309K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +41.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$309K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 65% more expensive than Lancaster

Calculate payment - Lancaster Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.5K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$210

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Lancaster, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.