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Cost of Living in Chester, PA

Population 33,619 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,091
Median home value$83,100
Median household income$41,342

The median rent in Chester, PA is $1,091/month, 10% lower than the Pennsylvania median and 23% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $83,100, 75% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $41,342 a year, 47% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 31.7%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $43,640/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.0×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $420/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Chester vs. Pennsylvania vs. U.S.

ChesterPennsylvaniaU.S.
Median rent$1,091$1,209$1,413
Median home value$83,100$254,500$332,700
Median household income$41,342$77,971$80,734
Homeownership rate40.0%69.3%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher14.4%35.2%35.7%
Poverty rate29.0%11.7%12.5%
Unemployment rate17.6%5.3%5.2%
Work from home9.5%15.6%15.1%
Median age33.940.938.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Chester, PA?

The median gross rent in Chester, PA is $1,091 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Chester, PA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $43,640 a year in gross income.

Is Chester, PA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 23% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.0 times the median household income.

Other cities in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PARent $1,397 · Income $61,953Pittsburgh, PARent $1,261 · Income $65,742Allentown, PARent $1,317 · Income $55,494Reading, PARent $1,067 · Income $44,091Erie, PARent $870 · Income $46,113Bethlehem, PARent $1,382 · Income $68,879

Cities with a similar cost of living

Marrero, LARent $1,042 · Income $41,402Atlantic City, NJRent $1,136 · Income $41,028Detroit, MIRent $1,074 · Income $39,938Jackson, MSRent $1,055 · Income $42,071West Pensacola, FLRent $1,138 · Income $40,511Griffin, GARent $1,110 · Income $43,632

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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