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Chester, PA Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 25, 2026

Total Utilities$305/mo

1BR Rent$1200/mo

Sales Tax7.5%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score6/10

Median Home$320,000

📷 Live Cameras — Chester

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🌤️ Live Weather — Chester

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Chester

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PECO Energy Company

🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PECO Energy Company

💧 Water

$45/mo

Aqua Pennsylvania

🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Chester City Department of Public Works

📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2100/mo
Median Home Price	$320,000
Property Tax Rate	1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1000

The housing market in Chester is relatively affordable compared to nearby Philadelphia. Older homes with historic character are common, but newer developments are also emerging.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	7.5%
Property Tax Rate	1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

6/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Blue with some Purple influence in local elections

Business Momentum

Moderate with key industries in logistics, healthcare, and education

Top Local Concerns

Crime, economic development, school quality

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but not always stroller-friendly due to limited elevator access in some stations.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Widener University Planetarium
🎯
Chester Waterfront
🎯
Colonial Plantation

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The West End and Highland Gardens are popular for families due to quieter streets and proximity to parks. Some areas near Widener University also offer family-friendly amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Chester based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations and adhere to local zoning laws. Short-term rentals require registration.

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Chester — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income

$35,751

👤 Median Age

32.5

🏠 Homeownership Rate

36.8%

🔑 Renter Rate

63.2%

📉 Poverty Rate

28.5%

💼 Unemployment Rate

15.8%

📡 Internet Access

83.2%

🎓 College Educated

13.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs rise in summer due to higher AC usage and in winter due to heating needs. Spring and fall typically see lower utility bills.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Property tax millage rates vary by district, with Chester City having a higher rate. No local surtaxes specific to Chester County.