2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Reading, PA vs Chester, PA

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Highlights
Are people in Chester older or younger than people in Reading?
- The Median Age in Chester is 1.7 years older than in Reading.

Are housing costs cheaper in Chester or Reading?
- Chester housing costs are 55.3% less expensive than Reading housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Chester or Reading?
- The average commute for residents of Chester is 0.9 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Reading.

Things to do in Reading?
Reading, Pennsylvania is located in the heart of Berks County and has been a thriving hub for culture and commerce since its founding in 1748. It's home to many museums and landmarks such as the Reading Public Museum or the Pagoda; visitors will also find plenty of great shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Things to do in Chester?
Chester PA sits within Delaware County right across the river from Philadelphia with many cultural attractions such as historical venues portraying life during Revolutionary War times plus numerous family friendly parks like Crozer Park along Route 291.

 Reading, PAChester, PAUnited States
 Population  Unlock32,819329,725,481
 Median Income$38,738  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock32.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$206,000  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock14.4%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time24.81  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Reading    15 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

Having lived in Reading in the 1960's and early 1970's I can definitely say the city has gone downhill as it has in reality been a victim of two major forces; first  More

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Over 11 years ago

Berks County is beautiful in the fall. Cool, crisp air and the trees are a pallet of  More

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Over 12 years ago

Well to start, in the past 8 years ive lived in 7 states, some pros and cons. Tucson I loved in all respects except its not as nice as living in a small town but it  More

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Reviews for Chester    7 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

EVEN THOUGH THIS IS A SMALL TOWN, THE TRANSPORTATION IS CONVENIENT FOR ALL MODES OR LINKS TO ALL AREAS OUTSIDE THE  More

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The people are the problem in Chester PA. Probably 97% of the poplulation abuses drugs. Many of the people that live there aide the drug dealers because they grew up  More

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25% of the population living below the poverty line, at times the drop out rate from the high school has been 50% (which explains why 25% of adults over 18 don't have a  More

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