Uprootmap
Washington vs Lancaster
Washington and Lancaster
Photo: Randolph Carney / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Lancaster are under the US rate in this release, 2.2 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Washington to Lancaster
In 2022-2023, 173 households filed a move from Washington to Lancaster (about 283 people, average adjusted gross income $96,353). 111 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,217 in Lancaster. Washington has a state tax on wages. Lancaster has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Lancaster is 95% of the national level for the same work, against 124% in Washington.
Lancaster averages 194 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 30°F. Washington is 203 sunny days, 89°F in July, 29°F in January. Commutes average 24 minutes in Lancaster and 34 in Washington.
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.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 173 households moved Washington → Lancaster (about 283 people, average AGI $96,353). 111 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 Washington and Lancaster changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 128 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,650–$3,100
- Container or pod
- $1,100–$2,100
- Rent a truck
- $400–$750
Explore more
Dig into Lancaster
Questions
Is Lancaster cheaper than Washington after tax and rent?
Yes. Lancaster leaves about $858 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,916 in Washington and $1,217 in Lancaster.
Does Lancaster have state income tax?
Lancaster is in Pennsylvania, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from Washington to Lancaster?
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.