on $100k a year, leaving Portland
changea dispatch from
lancaster
PA
40.04°N
76.30°W
Lancaster is the heart of Pennsylvania Amish country, with horse-drawn buggies on rural roads and the Central Market (the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the country, since the 1730s). The food scene is sneaky-strong, the surrounding farmland is gorgeous, and the city's downtown has come back nicely. Whoopie pies, shoofly pies, and sticky buns are mandatory.
the verdict
lighter monthly cost than Portland
In Lancaster, rent stops being the headline. The cost gap shows up every month without you trying.
a quick ledger.
$1,517/mo
34% cheaper than Portland(vs $2,285/mo)
3.07%
$369/mo less in state tax than Portland
vs 7.5% in Portland
$6,561/mo
$1,138 more than Portland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$384k
29% cheaper than Portland
vs $543k in Portland
559k
vs 566k in Portland
field notes, weather & such.
158
pleasant days a year, in lancaster.
Portland keeps to 145 pleasant days a year.
Lighter on events: Portland packs 2.1× more into a month.
63/100
11% lower than Portland
vs 71/100 in Portland
Closest outdoor draw: Susquehanna Riverlands State Park, 18.3 mi.
97/100
1% lower than Portland
vs 98/100 in Portland
1
50% fewer than Portland
vs 2 nonstops in Portland
compare lancaster with:
