Cost of Living in Reading, PA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $942 (excluding rent), and $2,668 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,611 (excluding rent), and $4,650 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.94 $17.94

$14.95 $14.95

$29.90 $29.90

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$63.8 $63.8

$58.9 $58.9

$147 $147

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.72 $11.72

$10.19 $10.19

$15.29 $15.29

Cappuccino

$4.39 $4.39

$1.95 $1.95

$6.35 $6.35

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.37 $2.37

$1.97 $1.97

$2.95 $2.95

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.56 $1.56

$1.53 $1.53

$2.29 $2.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.54 $6.54

$3.52 $3.52

$10.05 $10.05

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.97 $7.97

$11.96 $11.96

Milk (1 liter)

$1.26 $1.26

$0.98 $0.98

$1.70 $1.70

White Bread (500g)

$3.20 $3.20

$2.69 $2.69

$5.36 $5.36

Rice (white) (1kg)

$3.65 $3.65

$1.94 $1.94

$10.71 $10.71

Eggs

$4.95 $4.95

$2.24 $2.24

$7.17 $7.17

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.19 $13.19

$6.60 $6.60

$33.02 $33.02

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.05 $12.05

$8.98 $8.98

$17.39 $17.39

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.40 $17.40

$8.90 $8.90

$29.22 $29.22

Apples (1kg)

$4.23 $4.23

$1.96 $1.96

$6.47 $6.47

Banana (1kg)

$1.74 $1.74

$0.99 $0.99

$3.00 $3.00

Oranges (1kg)

$4.02 $4.02

$2.03 $2.03

$6.71 $6.71

Tomato (1kg)

$3.24 $3.24

$1.18 $1.18

$8.60 $8.60

Potato (1kg)

$2.48 $2.48

$1.30 $1.30

$4.35 $4.35

Onion (1kg)

$2.71 $2.71

$2.15 $2.15

$5.45 $5.45

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.48 $1.48

$4.92 $4.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.70 $1.70

$1.23 $1.23

$3.88 $3.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.78 $9.78

$9.03 $9.03

$13.23 $13.23

Wine (Bottle)

$14.96 $14.96

$8.97 $8.97

$24.94 $24.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.71 $1.71

$1.65 $1.65

$1.71 $1.71

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.97 $2.97

$1.86 $1.86

$7.91 $7.91

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.28 $1.28

$2.04 $2.04

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$45.84 $45.84

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.05 $3.05

$7.11 $7.11

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.23 $2.23

$1.91 $1.91

$3.35 $3.35

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$23.96 $23.96

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.90 $0.90

$0.79 $0.79

$0.99 $0.99

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$20.4K $20.4K

$36.4K $36.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$19.9K $19.9K

$25.9K $25.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$126 $126

$85.0 $85.0

$175 $175

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$44.85 $44.85

$34.88 $34.88

$69.8 $69.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$52.9 $52.9

$39.66 $39.66

$74.4 $74.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.17 $43.17

$17.57 $17.57

$50.2 $50.2

Cinema Ticket

$16.85 $16.85

$12.88 $12.88

$19.82 $19.82

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,112 $1,112

$2,527 $2,527

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.9K $23.9K

$15.1K $15.1K

$30.2K $30.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$75.1 $75.1

$30.08 $30.08

$120 $120

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$63.5 $63.5

$20.06 $20.06

$75.2 $75.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$73.6 $73.6

$58.9 $58.9

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$135 $135

$60.4 $60.4

$201 $201

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,664 $1,664

$844 $844

$2,483 $2,483

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,399 $1,399

$1,325 $1,325

$1,472 $1,472

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,100 $2,100

$1,235 $1,235

$2,964 $2,964

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,921 $1,921

$1,846 $1,846

$1,996 $1,996

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$1,819 $1,819

$1,772 $1,772

$1,869 $1,869

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,809 $1,809

$1,763 $1,763

$1,859 $1,859

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$2,755 $2,755

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.62

6.19

7.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 13, 2026

Reading, PA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

147

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

320

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Reading, PA - Frequently Asked Questions

Reading sits in the mid-range for U.S. small cities: you’ll find practical value without the sticker shock of bigger coastal metros. Housing options range from compact apartments in walkable pockets to quiet homes in nearby suburbs, groceries tend to be affordable, and transit connections are solid for a mid-size city. You’ll notice a workable balance for services, dining, and entertainment, with costs influenced by neighborhood and lifestyle choices. Cost of Living in Reading, PA, United States is a helpful lens as you compare rents, utilities, and daily essentials against other regions. Tip: Map your commute, test a few neighborhoods, and be mindful of seasonal patterns to maximize value.

Your housing search will reveal a mix of walkable town blocks, older homes with character in nearby neighborhoods, and quieter lanes in surrounding townships. For groceries, you’ll find familiar chains plus regional markets. Food options range from casual eateries to brewpubs and farm-to-table spots; you can balance indulgence with thrift by targeting weekday lunch deals or farmer’s markets in season. Transportation is practical: compact driving or public transit works for most errands, while bikes and occasional rideshares fill gaps. Reading, PA living cost varies by area and commute choice, so compare a few routes before committing. Tip: Start with a short-term rental or month-to-month to gauge value and mobility.

Quality of life in Reading blends walkable pockets with access to parks, cultural events, and family-friendly trails. A simple budgeting framework centers on essentials first, reserve some savings, and keep discretionary spending flexible with the seasons – heating bills in winter, lighter activity costs in summer. Explore areas near the Canal Towpath or Wyomissing for different vibes and transport links to keep your day efficient without overspending. Seasonal events and local markets offer affordable ways to socialize without overspending. Tip: tap into coworking spaces during busy weeks, and set a monthly neighborhood trial plan to confirm your fit.