Chester, PA vs Merced, 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.
Merced
64.3
#1702 nationally
Merced leads in median household income ($59,233 vs $39,193). Chester leads in walk score (60 vs 42). Chester leads in cost of living index (86 vs 121).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 93,692 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $397,570 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $59,233 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 27 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 42 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 21.5 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 121 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | R+4.4 |
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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
64.3 Score
Merced, CA
California community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$397,570
Population
93,692
Crime
High
Walk Score
42
Pacific
View Merced, CA →