Question 1

Is Philadelphia, PA or Reading, PA cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Reading, PA is cheaper. The median home price in Philadelphia, PA is approximately $439,500 and in Reading, PA it is approximately $96,600 — a difference of $342,900.

Question 2

Is Philadelphia, PA or Reading, PA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA is more walkable. Philadelphia, PA has a Walk Score of 62/100 and Reading, PA has a Walk Score of N/A/100.

Question 3

Which has better schools, Philadelphia, PA or Reading, PA?

Accepted Answer

Philadelphia, PA has higher-rated schools. Philadelphia, PA has a school rating of 6.8/10 and Reading, PA has a rating of 6.5/10.

Question 4

Should I live in Philadelphia, PA or Reading, PA?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Philadelphia, PA	Reading, PA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$440K	$97K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$2K	$903 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$94K ✓ Higher income	$39K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	62/100 ✓ More walkable	Car-dependent
Transit Score	3/100	3/100
Bike Score	67/100 ✓ More bikeable	3/100
Commute	5 min ✓ Shorter commute	90 min
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.8/10 ✓ Better schools	6.5/10
Best for	StudentsYoung professionalsCreative freelancers	Budget-conscious familiesRetirees seeking low costStudents or workers in nearby cities

Philadelphia, PA vs Reading, PA

Bottom line