Cost of Living in Chester, MD
Population 4,539 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Chester a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $441,000. An unemployment rate of 2.4% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 30 miles southeast of Baltimore, Chester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 101% higher than Baltimore's $219,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Chester
The median home value in Chester is $441,200 — 45% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,849/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,938/year is 22% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 64.8°F and lows of 50.6°F. Overall, Chester has a cost of living index of 143 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% more expensive.
Chester has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 43 | 45 | 53 | 64 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 67 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 30 | 32 | 38 | 47 | 57 | 68 | 72 | 71 | 65 | 52 | 42 | 34 |
| Precip" | 2.84 | 2.38 | 3.80 | 3.38 | 3.15 | 4.04 | 4.94 | 4.27 | 5.14 | 4.04 | 3.03 | 2.98 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Chester, MD?
Chester has a cost index of 143 (100 = national average). It is 43% above the national average.
What is average rent in Chester, MD?
The median gross rent in Chester is $1,849 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Chester?
The median home value in Chester is $441,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Chester?
The median household income in Chester is $90,938 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Chester, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Chester is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Chester, MD affordable?
Chester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 143 — about 43% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Chester?
Chester has average high temperatures of 64.8°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Chester at a Glance
- Population
- 4,539
- Median Income
- $90,938
- Home Value
- $441,200
- Median Rent
- $1,849/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Maryland Rankings
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