Chester, PA vs New Castle, PA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. New Castle is 25.5% cheaper than Chester. With a cost index of 60 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from New Castle to Chester should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chester is $1,080/month compared to $698/month in New Castle — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Castle is more affordable at $72,000 median vs $85,400.

Median household income in Chester is $39,809 compared to $41,478 in New Castle (-4%). New Castle offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chester spend roughly 32.6% of their income on rent, more than the 20.2% in New Castle. The New Castle ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.