Cost of living in Reading
Reading, Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, making it an attractive place for many. Understanding the cost of living in Reading is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $12.36 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $65, with prices ranging from $50 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.69 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $7.17, with an average price of $3.28.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $7, averaging $3.89.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.74 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.86 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.8.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.02 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.8, with a cost of $1.37 to $1.99 per km and $24 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $850 to $2500, averaging $1675.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1350 to $1500, averaging $1425.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1250 to $3000, averaging $2125.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1850 to $2000, averaging $1925.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1776.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $1776.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $91.49 and $275, averaging $171.76.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $120, with an average cost of $53.33.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
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"Key Takeaways"
Reading, PA, offers a moderate cost of living with affordable housing options, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can be economical, with a variety of options ranging from fast food to mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like fresh produce can vary significantly in price.
Conclusion
Overall, Reading, PA, presents a balanced cost of living that can accommodate various lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you're considering renting or buying, the housing market offers diverse options. Additionally, the city's transportation and dining costs are manageable, making it a practical choice for many.