Lancaster, PA vs San Jose, CA
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
San Jose
63
#1807 nationally
San Jose leads in median household income ($142,891 vs $61,014). Lancaster leads in cost of living index (93 vs 198). Lancaster leads in walk score (81 vs 51).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.7 (#413) | 63 (#1807) |
| Population | 57,153 | 983,489 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $1,391,204 |
| Median Household Income | $61,014 | $142,891 |
| Average Commute | 23 min | 28.4 min |
| Walk Score | 81 | 51 |
| Crime Level | 9.5 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 7.2 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 198 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+15.9 | D+40.0 |
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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
63 Score
San Jose, CA
Capital of Silicon Valley
Median Home
$1,391,204
Population
983,489
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Pacific
View San Jose, CA →