Chester, PA vs Hayward, 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.
Hayward
61.7
#1891 nationally
Hayward leads in median household income ($105,371 vs $39,193). Chester leads in cost of living index (86 vs 173). Hayward leads in crime level (13.1 vs 22.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Hayward, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 155,675 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $831,558 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $105,371 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 34.2 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 57 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 13.1 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 173 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | D+53.6 |
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Score
Chester, PA
Small Pennsylvania city with local appeal
Population
33,595
Crime
High
Walk Score
60
Median Income
$39,193
Northeast
View Chester, PA →
D-
61.7 Score
Hayward, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$831,558
Population
155,675
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
57
Pacific
View Hayward, CA →