Uprootmap
Harrisburg vs Reading
Harrisburg and Reading
Photo: Pub. by Berkshire News Company / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Reading are under the US rate in this release, 4.3 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Harrisburg to Reading
In 2022-2023, 108 households filed a move from Harrisburg to Reading (about 169 people, average adjusted gross income $66,361). 184 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,115 in Harrisburg and $1,167 in Reading. Harrisburg has a state tax on wages. Reading has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Reading is 94% of the national level for the same work, against 99% in Harrisburg.
Reading averages 195 sunny days, with July highs around 87°F and January nights around 29°F. Harrisburg is 197 sunny days, 88°F in July, 30°F in January. Commutes average 25 minutes in Reading and 23 in Harrisburg.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 108 households moved Harrisburg → Reading (about 169 people, average AGI $66,361). 184 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Harrisburg and Reading changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 71 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,600–$3,000
- Container or pod
- $1,050–$2,000
- Rent a truck
- $350–$700
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Dig into Reading
Questions
Is Reading cheaper than Harrisburg after tax and rent?
No. Reading leaves about $88 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,115 in Harrisburg and $1,167 in Reading.
Does Reading have state income tax?
Reading is in Pennsylvania, which taxes wage income, plus a local wage tax of 1.00%.
Did people actually move from Harrisburg to Reading?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.