Reading, PA Cost of Living


15 Reviews



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How much do I need to live in Reading, Pennsylvania?
$3,300 / month
for a family, 38.9% less expensive than the national average A total of $39,600 for the year for a family.
$2,733 / month
for a single person, 42.7% less expensive than the national average A total of $32,800 for the year for a single person.

Reading cost of living score
94
Less expensive
6.0% lower
than the US average
0.6% lower
than the Pennsylvania average
Reading, Pennsylvania gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 94, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 6.0% lower than the U.S. average and 0.6% higher than the average for Pennsylvania.

Reading, PA

Housing costs in Reading?
A typical home costs $206,000, which is 39.1% less expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 15.2% less expensive than the average Pennsylvania home, at $242,800. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Reading costs $1,050 per month, which is 26.6% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 15.2% cheaper than the state average of $1,210.

Can I afford Reading?
To live comfortably in Reading, Pennsylvania, a minimum annual income of $39,600 for a family, and $32,800 for a single person is recommended.

What does A.I. say about Reading?
Reading provides a unique chance at great value for inexpensive living placed somewhere near Pennsylvania’s Berks County featuring median house prices standing firm around the mid-$200s and rent often comes in a bit closer to $1 < 500 dollars depending upon desired amenities - significantly cheaper compared to other nearby areas such as Allentown or Bethlehem located far further up north. Grocery stores moreover remain mostly on par with United States levels due largely to local taxes & regulations while sales tax sums out unaltered at 6%.
   Cost of living score
       Higher than 100 is more expensive than the national average.
       Lower than 100 is less expensive.
     CategoriesReadingPennsylvaniaUnited States
    Unlock94.6100.0
  97.1  Unlock100.0
    Unlock101.1100.0
  62.2  Unlock100.0
    Unlock$242,800$338,100
  100.9  Unlock100.0
    Unlock104.0100.0
  109.0  Unlock100.0

   100=National Average

   Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Reviews for Reading
    See all (15)

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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