Bethel, VT vs Chester, VT

Chester is moderately more affordable than Bethel, with a 9.5% lower cost of living index. Bethel scores 92 compared to 84 for Chester, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Bethel can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bethel is $1,135/month compared to $938/month in Chester — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chester is more affordable at $245,300 median vs $269,100.

Median household income in Bethel is $66,250 compared to $67,782 in Chester (-2.3%). Chester offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethel spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16.6% in Chester.