with $100k coming in, swapping out of Worcester
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 Worcester
Reading runs on a fraction of Worcester's budget. Same paycheck, real lifestyle upgrade.
a quick ledger.
$1,478/mo
31% cheaper than Worcester(vs $2,140/mo)
3.07%
$161/mo less in state tax than Worcester
vs 5% in Worcester
$6,600/mo
$823 more than Worcester
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$311k
36% cheaper than Worcester
vs $486k in Worcester
433k
vs 867k in Worcester
field notes, weather & such.
157
pleasant days a year, in reading.
Worcester barely cracks 148 pleasant ones.
Comparable to Worcester for events and concerts.
65/100
10% higher than Worcester
vs 59/100 in Worcester
Closest outdoor draw: French Creek State Park, 9.6 mi.
85/100
6% lower than Worcester
vs 90/100 in Worcester
0
100% fewer than Worcester
vs 2 nonstops in Worcester
neighbors of reading on the map of tradeoffs:
compare reading with:
