Reading, PA

Very Low · 58

Pennsylvania · Population 94,836 · Updated March 2026

$1,018
Median Rent / Month
$45,599
Median Income
$109,800
Median Home Value
$966
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Reading

26.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in Pennsylvania

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

3.07%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.49%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$12,216
Annual Rent
$1,400
State Income Tax
$1,636
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Reading is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 58 (where 100 equals the national median), Reading residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,018/month while earning a median household income of $45,599/year.

The median home value in Reading, PA is $109,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $966 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 26.8%, Reading falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

Pennsylvania has a moderate income tax rate of 3.07%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.49% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Reading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Reading

What is the cost of living in Reading, PA?
The cost of living index in Reading, PA is 58 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,018, median household income is $45,599/year, and the median home value is $109,800.
Is Reading, PA affordable?
Yes, Reading is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 58. The rent-to-income ratio is 26.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Reading, PA?
The median gross rent in Reading, PA is $1,018 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,216.
What is the median household income in Reading?
The median household income in Reading, PA is $45,599 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a top income tax rate of 3.07%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.49%.