Cost of Living in Reading, MA

With a cost of living index of 152, Reading, MA is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 52% more expensive than the national average and 22% above the Massachusetts state average of 129. With a population of 25,448, Reading is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Reading's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,722 (31% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $741,100 (143% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.5x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Reading is $163,725, which is 118% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Reading. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.9°F, with summers averaging 70°F and winters around 30°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.9 inches spread over roughly 138 days.

Everyday prices in the Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.