Chester, PA vs York, PA

York is moderately more affordable than Chester, with a 5.7% lower cost of living index. Chester scores 76 compared to 71 for York, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Chester can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Chester is $1,080/month compared to $958/month in York — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while York has cheaper rent, Chester actually has lower median home values ($85,400 vs $103,100).

Median household income in Chester is $39,809 compared to $47,115 in York (-15.5%). York 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 24.4% in York. The York ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.

Climate-wise, Chester is notably warmer with an average of 56.3°F compared to 52.4°F in York. Chester receives more rainfall at 44.1" per year compared to 42.1" in York.