salaryReading is the 4th-largest city in Pennsylvania that we track, with 95,242 residents. Rent is lower than in 61% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs under 3 years of household income, which is easy by U.S. standards. Most households rent (59%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $57,600 a year. That is $28 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Pennsylvania cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Pennsylvania. It is number 147 of 269 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in Reading?
Share of households by yearly income. 9.5% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Reading
| Size | Reading | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $856 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $929 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,216 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,346 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,529 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Reading overall?
Everyday prices in the Reading metro area are 3% below the U.S. average (index 97.1, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Reading
Life in Reading
What jobs pay in Reading
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $143,210 | 12.1% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,390 | 12.8% |
| Physician Assistant | $130,160 | 13.3% |
| Lawyer | $125,830 | 13.7% |
| Software Developer | $120,920 | 14.3% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $99,980 | 17.3% |
| Operations Manager | $99,920 | 17.3% |
| Civil Engineer | $98,890 | 17.5% |
| Registered Nurse | $98,470 | 17.5% |
| Police Officer | $87,060 | 19.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $80,300 | 21.5% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $79,860 | 21.6% |
| Accountant | $75,550 | 22.9% |
| Electrician | $75,070 | 23.0% |
| Firefighter | $74,760 | 23.1% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $64,950 | 26.6% |
| Market Research Analyst | $63,040 | 27.4% |
| Plumber | $62,370 | 27.7% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,740 | 28.0% |
| Truck Driver | $58,480 | 29.5% |
| Carpenter | $54,930 | 31.5% |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,040 | 37.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $45,610 | 37.9% |
| Nursing Assistant | $45,530 | 38.0% |
| Customer Service Representative | $44,500 | 38.8% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,020 | 48.0% |
| Retail Salesperson | $33,010 | 52.3% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $30,760 | 56.2% |
| Cashier | $29,260 | 59.1% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Reading?
Buying is cheaper month to month: about $598 a month less than renting.
Owning assumes a typical $121,300 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $12,130 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Reading, PA?
Renting in Reading costs a median of about $1,440 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Pennsylvania median is $1,367.
How much do I need to make to live in Reading?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $57,600 a year, or $28 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Reading cheap or expensive?
Reading is rated Expensive: rent takes 36.3% of the typical household income of $47,552. It ranks 147th cheapest of 269 Pennsylvania cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Reading?
The median homeowner in Reading pays $1,805 a year in property taxes, about 1.49% of the median home value.
Is Reading more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 3% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Reading?
The median home value in Reading is $121,300, about 2.6 times the typical yearly household income.
95,242 people live in Reading. Numbers are typical (middle) values.