Chester, PA vs Lancaster, 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.
Lancaster
61.5
#1905 nationally
Chester leads in walk score (60 vs 29). Lancaster leads in median household income ($71,367 vs $39,193). Chester leads in cost of living index (86 vs 126).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Lancaster, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 166,236 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $465,459 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $71,367 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 30.9 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 29 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 22.9 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 126 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | D+32.9 |
—
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-
61.5 Score
Lancaster, CA
Mid-size California city with community character
Median Home
$465,459
Population
166,236
Crime
High
Walk Score
29
Pacific
View Lancaster, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Chester for: