Reading, PA vs State College, PA: Cost of Living Comparison
Reading has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Reading | State College | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 62 | 103 | Reading |
| Housing | 32 ($713) | 119 ($860) | Reading |
| Transportation | 117 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | State College |
| Food & groceries | 61 ($250) | 63 ($258) | Reading |
| Utilities | 66 ($58) | 110 ($214) | Reading |
| Healthcare | 66 ($42) | 110 ($155) | 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 Reading, PA or State College, PA cheaper to live in?
Reading, PA is cheaper overall by about 41 index points (Reading, PA: 62, State College, PA: 103; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Reading, PA vs State College, PA?
A single adult needs roughly $21,700/year in Reading, PA and $36,050/year in State College, PA to cover basic living costs.