North Reading, MA Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

North Reading, MA Utility & Living Guide

North Reading is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 15,554 at the 2020 census.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$370/mo
1BR Rent$1500/mo
Sales Tax6.25%
COL Index118 (+10% above national average)
Family Score8/10
Median Home$430,000
📷 Live Cameras — North Reading
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — North Reading
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — North Reading
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to North Reading?

Moving to North Reading? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

National Grid
🔥 Gas

$80/mo

National Grid
💧 Water

$50/mo

North Reading Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Republic Services
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$370/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1500/mo
2 Bedrooms$1900/mo
3 Bedrooms$2500/mo
Median Home Price$430,000
Property Tax Rate1.23%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in North Reading is competitive, with a mix of older and newer homes. The town has seen an increase in new construction in recent years, but prices remain relatively high. Rentals are also in high demand, particularly for families and young professionals.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

102

Healthcare

103

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.25%
Property Tax Rate1.23%
<p>State 5.2% + None + Local 1.05%</p>

Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5.2%, with no local income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
8/10
Safety Index

40

Higher = safer
School Rating

8/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
High, with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, affordability, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

North Reading has a relatively walkable downtown area, but public transit options are limited, making it challenging for families with strollers to get around without a car.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary
  • 🎯
    Boston Museum of Science
  • 🎯
    LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The best neighborhoods for families in North Reading include the downtown area, which offers a mix of older and newer homes, as well as the more suburban areas near the town's parks and schools. The town's strong sense of community and good schools make it an attractive option for families.

Household Budget Calculator

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

📰 Live Local News

North Reading has regulations regarding zoning, building permits, and waste management, which can be found on the town’s website.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

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

📊 North Reading — Census & Demographic Data

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

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in North Reading tend to be higher in the winter months due to heating, with average gas bills increasing by 20-30% from December to February. In contrast, summer months see a slight increase in electric bills due to air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 01864 has a property tax millage rate of 12.3, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10, with explanation: North Reading has some sidewalks and parks, but they can be uneven and limited in some areas, making it challenging for stroller navigation. However, the town's downtown area is relatively flat and easy to navigate.

📰 Latest MA Stories
Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 27, 2026

With a population just shy of seven million, Massachusetts presents a classic trade-off for anyone considering a move:...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 26, 2026

Considering a move to Massachusetts means weighing its reputation for top-tier education and historic charm against a notoriously...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 25, 2026

For anyone considering a move to Massachusetts, the state presents a compelling but costly proposition. Home to nearly...

Read more →
Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

Massachusetts Living Report — July 24, 2026

With a population of just under seven million—6,984,205 to be precise—Massachusetts is one of the most densely populated...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.