Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Reading, PA is cheaper. The median home price in Reading, PA is approximately $96,600 and in Scranton, PA it is approximately $120,000 — a difference of $23,400.

Question 2

Is Reading, PA or Scranton, PA safer?

Accepted Answer

Reading, PA scores higher on safety. Reading, PA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate. Scranton, PA has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated High.

Question 3

Is Reading, PA or Scranton, PA more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Scranton, PA is more walkable. Reading, PA has a Walk Score of N/A/100 and Scranton, PA has a Walk Score of 37/100.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Reading, PA has higher-rated schools. Reading, PA has a school rating of 6.5/10 and Scranton, PA has a rating of 6.2/10.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Category	Reading, PA	Scranton, PA
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Think twice
Median Price	$97K ✓ Lower price	$120K
Median Rent	$903	$860 ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$39K ✓ Higher income	$35K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	Car-dependent	37/100 ✓ More walkable
Transit Score	3/100	17/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	3/100 ✓ More bikeable	N/A
Commute	90 min	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+ ✓ Safer	F
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate ✓ Lower risk	High
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	6.5/10 ✓ Better schools	6.2/10
Best for	Budget-conscious familiesRetirees seeking low costStudents or workers in nearby cities	low income rentersbudget familiesstudents

Reading, PA vs Scranton, PA

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