Reading, VT Cost of Living & Utility Guide 2026

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Reading, VT Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$300/mo

1BR Rent$1100/mo

Sales Tax6%

COL Index110 (+10% above national average)

Family Score8/10

Median Home$340,000

📷 Live Cameras — Reading

Live · refreshing...

🌤️ Live Weather — Reading

Loading weather...

📍 Live Local News & Briefing

⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Reading

Loading hazard data...

💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

Green Mountain Power

🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$50/mo

Reading Water Department

🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems

📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$300/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom	$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms	$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms	$2000/mo
Median Home Price	$340,000
Property Tax Rate	1.5%
Avg Childcare/mo	$1200

The housing market in Reading is characterized by a mix of old and new homes, with a strong demand for properties with acreage. The market is relatively stable, with a moderate supply of homes for sale. Prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax	6%
Property Tax Rate	1.5%
<p>State 6% + No County or City tax</p>

Vermont has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 3.55% to 8.95%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

8/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+2% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views

Business Momentum

Moderate, with key industries including agriculture, tourism, and small manufacturing

Top Local Concerns

Affordability, environmental protection, rural broadband access

🚌 Transit for Families

Reading has limited public transportation options, but the town is relatively small and walkable, with some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Okemo Mountain Resort
🎯
Vermont Folk Life Center
🎯
Quechee State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in Reading include the town center, with its shops and restaurants, and the surrounding rural areas, with their scenic views and outdoor recreational opportunities. The town also has a number of family-friendly subdivisions and developments.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Reading based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Reading has regulations in place to protect its natural resources and preserve its rural character, including zoning ordinances and environmental regulations

Financial Tools

Calculators

Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Reading — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Reading fluctuate significantly by season, with higher costs in the winter due to heating and lower costs in the summer. Residents can expect to pay more for electricity and fuel oil during the colder months, but may be able to reduce their costs by using energy-efficient appliances and taking advantage of seasonal pricing plans.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 05062 has a property tax millage rate of 1.5, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10: Reading has some stroller-friendly sidewalks and parks, but its rural roads and lack of public transportation options can make it difficult to get around without a car. The town is working to improve its infrastructure and make it more accessible to families with young children.

📍 Reading City Stories

Oct 1, 2026