2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Reading, PA vs Carlsbad, CA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Carlsbad or is it cheaper to live in Reading?
- Carlsbad is 64.8% more expensive than Reading.

Which city has more affordable housing, Carlsbad or Reading?
- Carlsbad housing costs are 529.6% more expensive than Reading housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Reading or is Health Care more affordable in Carlsbad.
- Health related expenses are 22.8% less in Carlsbad.
 Reading, PACarlsbad, CAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock154.9100
 Food & Groceries97.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock89.0100
 Housing62.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$1,320,200$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock125.6100
 Miscellaneous109.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Reading    15 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

Having lived in Reading in the 1960's and early 1970's I can definitely say the city has gone downhill as it has in reality been a victim of two major forces; first  More

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Over 11 years ago

Berks County is beautiful in the fall. Cool, crisp air and the trees are a pallet of  More

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Over 12 years ago

Well to start, in the past 8 years ive lived in 7 states, some pros and cons. Tucson I loved in all respects except its not as nice as living in a small town but it  More

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Reviews for Carlsbad    38 Reviews

I've lived in Carlsbad (92008) for 8 years now and really appreciate all that it has to offer. Yes, ALL of San Diego County is expensive, but Carlsbad has [possibly]  More

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Over 4 years ago

Carlson has the worst winters. It averages about 10 meters of snow per week. Every shop is  More

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Ok, I get it, the climate is mild and tolerable but even that is over-rated when you consider how many cloudy days there are in this town. The sun coming out at 3 and  More

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