Cost of Living in Reading, PA
Population 94,836 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Reading's median household income of $45,599 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (27% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Reading is about 30 miles southwest of Allentown, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 42% lower than Allentown's $189,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Reading
The median home value in Reading is $109,800 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,018/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $45,599/year is 39% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.1%, 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 63.4°F and lows of 44.1°F. Overall, Reading has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less 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 | 42 | 51 | 63 | 74 | 82 | 87 | 84 | 77 | 65 | 54 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 32 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 2.97 | 2.61 | 3.53 | 3.35 | 3.51 | 4.77 | 4.77 | 4.49 | 4.88 | 3.80 | 3.02 | 3.51 |
💨 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 Reading, PA?
Reading has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Reading, PA?
The median gross rent in Reading is $1,018 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Reading?
The median home value in Reading is $109,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Reading?
The median household income in Reading is $45,599 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Reading, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Reading is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Reading, PA affordable?
Yes, Reading is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Reading?
Reading has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 44.1°F. Annual precipitation is 45.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Reading at a Glance
- Population
- 94,836
- Median Income
- $45,599
- Home Value
- $109,800
- Median Rent
- $1,018/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Pennsylvania Rankings
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