Erie, PA vs Reading, PA

Erie is moderately more affordable than Reading, with a 9.8% lower cost of living index. Erie scores 66 compared to 74 for Reading, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Reading can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Erie is $836/month compared to $1,018/month in Reading — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Erie is more affordable at $108,200 median vs $109,800.

Median household income in Erie is $43,397 compared to $45,599 in Reading (-4.8%). Reading does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Erie spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, less than the 26.8% in Reading.