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

Lancaster skyline

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York vs Lancaster

York and Lancaster

Photo: Randolph Carney / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

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 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 York to Lancaster

In 2022-2023, 891 households filed a move from York to Lancaster (about 1,329 people, average adjusted gross income $53,755). 1,118 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,048 in York and $1,217 in Lancaster. York 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 98% in York.

Lancaster averages 194 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 30°F. York is 195 sunny days, 88°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 24 minutes in Lancaster and 27 in York.

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, 891 households moved York → Lancaster (about 1,329 people, average AGI $53,755). 1,118 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 York and Lancaster changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 32 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,550–$2,900
Container or pod
$1,050–$1,950
Rent a truck
$350–$650

Movers in Lancaster and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Lancaster cheaper than York after tax and rent?

No. Lancaster leaves about $144 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,048 in York 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 York 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.