Average Rent in Reading, PA↑ Rents rising 2.5% YoY🔺 7th priciest in PA

Reading, PA has rental prices ranging from $928/month to $1,794/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,075/month — 23% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $77,684/year, spending $1,075/month on a 1-bedroom represents 17% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Reading Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,353/month, Reading ranks #7 most expensive of the 51 cities tracked in Pennsylvania — pricier than 88% of all US cities in our data.

The Reading Rental Market

The Reading, PA area has a population of about 429,989 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Reading, PA have risen by $33/month (2.5%) over the past year, from $1,320 to $1,353. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Reading, PA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $43,000. The local median household income of $77,684 exceeds that threshold by $34,684, making Reading relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Reading, PA is $267,001, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 16.4. With a break-even horizon of approximately 16 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Reading's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Flying Hills ($260,512 median home value), West Wyomissing ($272,042 median home value), Lorane ($333,228 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Reading, PA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Reading?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Reading

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.