Chester, PA vs Iowa City, IA
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.
Iowa City
73.8
#673 nationally
Iowa City leads in crime level (8.8 vs 22.8). Iowa City leads in median household income ($54,879 vs $39,193). Chester leads in walk score (60 vs 45).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 75,678 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $305,824 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $54,879 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 17.7 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 45 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 8.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 102 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | D+38.1 |
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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 →
C
73.8 Score
Iowa City, IA
Iowa community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$305,824
Population
75,678
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
45
Midwest
View Iowa City, IA →
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