Lancaster, PA vs Melrose, MA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lancaster
63.7
#413 nationally
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 9.5). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $61,014). Lancaster leads in cost of living index (93 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.7 (#413) | 67.3 (#1438) |
| Population | 57,153 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $61,014 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 23 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 81 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 9.5 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+15.9 | D+39.5 |
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Score
Lancaster, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Population
57,153
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
81
Median Income
$61,014
Northeast
View Lancaster, PA →
D+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →