Chester, PA vs Melrose, MA
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.
Melrose
67.3
#1438 nationally
Melrose leads in crime level (2.8 vs 22.8). Melrose leads in median household income ($126,305 vs $39,193). Chester leads in cost of living index (86 vs 167).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Melrose, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 29,357 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $930,823 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $126,305 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 37.1 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 62 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 2.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 167 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | D+39.5 |
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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+
67.3 Score
Melrose, MA
Small Massachusetts city with local appeal
Median Home
$930,823
Population
29,357
Crime
Low
Walk Score
62
Northeast
View Melrose, MA →