2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Reading, PA vs Lowell, MA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Lowell or is it cheaper to live in Reading?
- Lowell is 53.9% more expensive than Reading.

Which city has more affordable housing, Lowell or Reading?
- Lowell housing costs are 110.8% more expensive than Reading housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Reading or is Health Care more affordable in Lowell.
- Health related expenses are 23.6% less in Lowell.
 Reading, PALowell, MAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock144.7100
 Food & Groceries97.1  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock88.1100
 Housing62.2  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$405,500$338,100
 Utilities101  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock98.2100
 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 Lowell    4 Reviews

Lowell... what a city! Remember to read the plaques on each sewer reminding our residents not to wash your daily garbage down the gutters. Remember, here in Lowell,  More

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Over 17 years ago

We are in a quiet neighbor hood with modtly elderly people on our street, I have always lived in this city and I wouldn't change for any place in the U.S.A I love the  More

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Over 18 years ago

Many parts of Middlesex county have become incredibly congested and overcrowded in recent years due to immigration. Some white flight taking place in Lowell, though  More

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