with $100k coming in, swapping out of Madison
changea dispatch from
reading
PA
40.33°N
75.93°W
Reading is the Pagoda lit up on Mount Penn (a Japanese-style pavilion built in 1908 that's become the city symbol), old factory bones, and the surrounding Berks County farmland. The downtown food and art scene is growing into the old factory bones, with breweries and galleries opening steadily. Pretzels, scrapple, and Pennsylvania Dutch baking are everywhere. Cheaper than nearby Lancaster.
the verdict
lighter monthly cost than Madison
You'd feel the difference in Reading. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Madison.
a quick ledger.
$1,478/mo
12% cheaper than Madison(vs $1,673/mo)
3.07%
$267/mo less in state tax than Madison
vs 6.27% in Madison
$6,600/mo
$462 more than Madison
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$311k
33% cheaper than Madison
vs $465k in Madison
433k
vs 694k in Madison
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in reading.
Madison only manages 147 of those.
On par with Madison for events and shows.
65/100
3% lower than Madison
vs 67/100 in Madison
Closest outdoor draw: French Creek State Park, 9.6 mi.
85/100
3% lower than Madison
vs 88/100 in Madison
0
100% fewer than Madison
vs 11 nonstops in Madison
if reading appeals, also worth a look:
compare reading with:
