Cost of Living in West Chester, PA
Population 19,235 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives West 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 $481,000. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, West Chester is about 25 miles west of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 107% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Chester
The median home value in West Chester is $481,300 — 58% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,661/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,492/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 61.9°F and lows of 42.8°F. Overall, West Chester has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 39 | 41 | 50 | 62 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 31 | 40 | 50 | 59 | 64 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.62 | 3.12 | 4.40 | 3.79 | 3.58 | 4.43 | 4.17 | 4.28 | 4.47 | 4.03 | 3.22 | 4.03 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in West Chester, PA?
West Chester has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.
What is average rent in West Chester, PA?
The median gross rent in West Chester is $1,661 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Chester?
The median home value in West Chester is $481,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Chester?
The median household income in West Chester is $81,492 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Chester, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Chester is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is West Chester, PA affordable?
West Chester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in West Chester?
West Chester has average high temperatures of 61.9°F and average lows of 42.8°F. Annual precipitation is 47.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Chester at a Glance
- Population
- 19,235
- Median Income
- $81,492
- Home Value
- $481,300
- Median Rent
- $1,661/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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