with $100k coming in, swapping out of Portland
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 Portland
You'd feel the difference in Reading. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Portland.
a quick ledger.
$1,478/mo
17% cheaper than Portland(vs $1,781/mo)
3.07%
$473/mo less in state tax than Portland
vs 8.75% in Portland
$6,600/mo
$777 more than Portland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$311k
45% cheaper than Portland
vs $562k in Portland
433k
vs 2.5M in Portland
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in reading.
Portland has the edge here, logging 178 pleasant days a year. Cold snaps are part of the year: 32 days below 20° here, 2 in Portland.
Noticeably quieter than Portland. About 76% fewer events on a typical month.
65/100
25% lower than Portland
vs 87/100 in Portland
Closest outdoor draw: French Creek State Park, 9.6 mi.
85/100
15% lower than Portland
vs 100/100 in Portland
0
100% fewer than Portland
vs 57 nonstops in Portland
cities that play in reading's register:
compare reading with:
