Lancaster, PA vs Oakland, 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
Oakland
62
#1880 nationally
Lancaster leads in cost of living index (93 vs 155). Oakland leads in median household income ($85,459 vs $61,014). Lancaster leads in average commute (23 min vs 32.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Oakland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 63.7 (#413) | 62 (#1880) |
| Population | 57,153 | 433,823 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $717,798 |
| Median Household Income | $61,014 | $85,459 |
| Average Commute | 23 min | 32.1 min |
| Walk Score | 81 | 73 |
| Crime Level | 9.5 | High |
| School Rating | N/A | 4.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93 | 155 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+15.9 | D+53.6 |
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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-
62 Score
Oakland, CA
Gritty, diverse, and full of culture
Median Home
$717,798
Population
433,823
Crime
High
Schools
C
Pacific
View Oakland, CA →