Example household · Lancaster, PA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Lancaster vs New York

Lancaster and New York

Photo: Fred Hsu / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in New York are under the US rate in this release, 3.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Lancaster to New York

In 2022-2023, 183 households filed a move from Lancaster to New York (about 231 people, average adjusted gross income $71,049). 492 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,217 in Lancaster and $3,018 in New York. Lancaster has a state tax on wages. New York has a state tax on wages. Local pay in New York is 119% of the national level for the same work, against 95% in Lancaster.

New York averages 224 sunny days, with July highs around 85°F and January nights around 27°F. Lancaster is 194 sunny days, 87°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 38 minutes in New York and 24 in Lancaster.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 183 households moved Lancaster → New York (about 231 people, average AGI $71,049). 492 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Lancaster and New York changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 165 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,850–$3,500
Container or pod
$1,250–$2,350
Rent a truck
$500–$900

Movers in New York and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is New York cheaper than Lancaster after tax and rent?

No. New York leaves about $2,251 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,217 in Lancaster and $3,018 in New York.

Does New York have state income tax?

New York is in New York, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 3.88%.

Did people actually move from Lancaster to New York?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.