Chester, PA vs Rochester, MN
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.
Rochester
76
#401 nationally
Rochester leads in crime level (4.2 vs 22.8). Rochester leads in median household income ($83,973 vs $39,193). Chester leads in walk score (60 vs 30).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Chester, PA | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,595 | 122,413 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $0 | $347,877 |
| Median Household Income | $39,193 | $83,973 |
| Average Commute | 21.7 min | 17.1 min |
| Walk Score | 60 | 30 |
| Crime Level | 22.8 | 4.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+23.7 | D+10.7 |
—
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
76 Score
Rochester, MN
Mid-size Minnesota city with community character
Median Home
$347,877
Population
122,413
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
30
Midwest
View Rochester, MN →