Bethlehem, PA vs Reading, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Reading has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Bethlehem | Reading | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 83 | 62 | Reading |
| Housing | 68 ($918) | 32 ($713) | Reading |
| Transportation | 107 ($3.50) | 117 ($3.50) | Bethlehem |
| Food & groceries | 89 ($365) | 61 ($250) | Reading |
| Utilities | 84 ($122) | 66 ($58) | Reading |
| Healthcare | 84 ($88) | 66 ($42) | Reading |
| Median annual wage | 102 ($49,690) | 102 ($49,690) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bethlehem, PA or Reading, PA cheaper to live in?
Reading, PA is cheaper overall by about 21 index points (Bethlehem, PA: 83, Reading, PA: 62; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Bethlehem, PA vs Reading, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $29,050/year in Bethlehem, PA and $21,700/year in Reading, PA to cover basic living costs.