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Reading, MA Utility & Living Guide
Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.
Monthly Utility Costs
$150/mo
$80/mo
$50/mo
$30/mo
$70/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1800/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2200/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2800/mo |
| Median Home Price | $440,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.23% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1200 |
The housing market in Reading is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes available. The town has a strong school system and a convenient commute to Boston, making it a popular choice for families. However, this demand has driven up prices in recent years.
Cost of Living
146
+20% above national average
108
104
102
$1200
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.23% |
| <p>State 5.2% + No County tax</p> | |
Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax
Family & Relocation
60
8/10
$1200/mo
City Pulse
The MBTA commuter rail has wheelchair-accessible trains and stations, but the frequency of service can be limited, especially on weekends
- Reading Public Library
- Jordan's Furniture and IMAX
- Breakheart Reservation
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Reading based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Residents are subject to Massachusetts state laws and regulations, including those related to recycling, zoning, and parking
Financial Tools
- 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
- 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
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📊 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 winter heating bills often exceeding $200 per month due to the cold New England climate. In contrast, summer electricity bills can be higher due to air conditioning usage.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
The property tax rate in Reading is 1.23%, with no local surtaxes. The town's ZIP code is 01867.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
Score: 7, Reading has good sidewalk quality and park access, but elevator access in transit can be limited, and some areas have narrow or uneven sidewalks
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