Western Europe Updated
Average Cost of Living in Reading
The average cost of living in Reading, United Kingdom is $2,155 per month for a single person, and $4,435 per month for a family of four. A one-bedroom apartment rents for around $1,762 per month. The local average net salary is $3,643 per month.
Affordable
Updated today
Index 49 · NYC = 100
Estimated monthly cost
- Single person
- $2,155 / month
- Family of 4
- $4,435 / mo
- Student
- $1,254 / mo
Includes rent, food, utilities, transport, and dining out. Excludes healthcare, taxes, and discretionary travel.
Salary that covers life in Reading
Adjust the household and see the gap or surplus vs. typical local pay.
Interactive
You need at least
$0 / month
Annual gross (25% tax)
$0
vs. local average net salary
$3,642.79 / month
On this page 11 sections
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Salary calculator for Reading | Find out the monthly salary needed for a single, family, or student lifestyle. |
| Rent & Property Prices in Reading | Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter. |
| Grocery Prices in Reading | Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat. |
| Public Transport & Car Costs in Reading | Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices. |
| Utility & Internet Costs in Reading | Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills. |
| Childcare & Preschool in Reading | Preschool fees and international school tuition. |
| Clothing Prices in Reading | Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores. |
| Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Reading | Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets. |
| Restaurant Prices in Reading | Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks. |
| Salaries & Mortgages in Reading | Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates. |
| Reading FAQs | Common questions about rent, salaries, food, and transport in Reading. |
Rent & Property Prices in Reading
Apartment rent and property purchase price per square meter.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $1,762 | $1,636 – $1,909 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $1,434 | $1,363 – $1,568 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | $2,945 | $2,590 – $3,477 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | $2,329 | $2,181 – $2,590 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre | $7,214 | $6,919 – $7,487 |
| Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre | $5,765 | $5,010 – $8,603 |
- 1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $1,762$1,636 – $1,909
- 1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $1,434$1,363 – $1,568
- 3 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre $2,945$2,590 – $3,477
- 3 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre $2,329$2,181 – $2,590
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre $7,214$6,919 – $7,487
- Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre $5,765$5,010 – $8,603
Grocery Prices in Reading
Supermarket prices for staples like bread, milk, produce, and meat.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) | $1.49 | $0.90 – $2.39 |
| Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) | $1.76 | $0.68 – $4.09 |
| White Rice (1 kg) | $3.00 | $0.68 – $4.77 |
| Eggs (12, Large Size) | $3.77 | $3.03 – $4.29 |
| Local Cheese (1 kg) | $12 | $4.09 – $15 |
| Chicken Fillets (1 kg) | $8.69 | $5.73 – $12 |
| Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) | $13 | $7.50 – $20 |
| Apples (1 kg) | $3.04 | $1.34 – $4.64 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | $1.54 | $1.23 – $2.73 |
| Oranges (1 kg) | $2.89 | $1.35 – $4.09 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | $3.32 | $2.05 – $8.18 |
| Potatoes (1 kg) | $1.62 | $0.68 – $3.41 |
| Onions (1 kg) | $1.42 | $1.23 – $2.05 |
| Lettuce (1 Head) | $0.98 | $0.82 – $1.16 |
| Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) | $1.55 | $1.36 – $2.73 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $14 | $6.14 – $27 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) | $2.31 | $1.36 – $4.09 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.41 | $1.36 – $5.45 |
| Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) | $24 | $21 – $24 |
- Milk (Regular, 1 Liter) $1.49$0.90 – $2.39
- Fresh White Bread (500 g Loaf) $1.76$0.68 – $4.09
- White Rice (1 kg) $3.00$0.68 – $4.77
- Eggs (12, Large Size) $3.77$3.03 – $4.29
- Local Cheese (1 kg) $12$4.09 – $15
- Chicken Fillets (1 kg) $8.69$5.73 – $12
- Beef Round or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat (1 kg) $13$7.50 – $20
- Apples (1 kg) $3.04$1.34 – $4.64
- Bananas (1 kg) $1.54$1.23 – $2.73
- Oranges (1 kg) $2.89$1.35 – $4.09
- Tomatoes (1 kg) $3.32$2.05 – $8.18
- Potatoes (1 kg) $1.62$0.68 – $3.41
- Onions (1 kg) $1.42$1.23 – $2.05
- Lettuce (1 Head) $0.98$0.82 – $1.16
- Bottled Water (1.5 Liter) $1.55$1.36 – $2.73
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) $14$6.14 – $27
- Domestic Beer (0.5 Liter Bottle) $2.31$1.36 – $4.09
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.41$1.36 – $5.45
- Cigarettes (Pack of 20, Marlboro) $24$21 – $24
Public Transport & Car Costs in Reading
Public transport tickets, taxi fares, fuel, and vehicle prices.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) | $3.54 | $2.73 – $4.64 |
| Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) | $87 | $68 – $123 |
| Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) | $6.82 | $5.45 – $14 |
| Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) | $4.62 | $4.09 – $5.15 |
| Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) | $14 | — |
| Gasoline (1 Liter) | $1.90 | $1.83 – $2.14 |
| Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) | $39,395 | $39,395 – $39,395 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) | $41,739 | $41,739 – $41,781 |
- One-Way Ticket (Local Transport) $3.54$2.73 – $4.64
- Monthly Public Transport Pass (Regular Price) $87$68 – $123
- Taxi Start (Standard Tariff) $6.82$5.45 – $14
- Taxi 1 km (Standard Tariff) $4.62$4.09 – $5.15
- Taxi 1 Hour Waiting (Standard Tariff) $14
- Gasoline (1 Liter) $1.90$1.83 – $2.14
- Volkswagen Golf 1.5 (or Equivalent New Compact Car) $39,395$39,395 – $39,395
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6 (or Equivalent New Mid-Size Car) $41,739$41,739 – $41,781
Utility & Internet Costs in Reading
Monthly electricity, heating, water, mobile, and broadband bills.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | $288 | $191 – $477 |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) | $27 | $10 – $68 |
| Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) | $50 | $41 – $68 |
- Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) $288$191 – $477
- Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly, with Calls and 10GB+ Data) $27$10 – $68
- Broadband Internet (Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps or Higher) $50$41 – $68
Childcare & Preschool in Reading
Preschool fees and international school tuition.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child | $1,789 | $1,295 – $2,454 |
| International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child | $26,359 | $20,451 – $29,995 |
- Private Full-Day Preschool or Kindergarten, Monthly Fee per Child $1,789$1,295 – $2,454
- International Primary School, Annual Tuition per Child $26,359$20,451 – $29,995
Clothing Prices in Reading
Jeans, dresses, running shoes, and leather shoes from chain stores.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) | $77 | $48 – $123 |
| Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) | $70 | $48 – $116 |
| Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) | $117 | $49 – $164 |
| Men's Leather Business Shoes | $102 | $82 – $123 |
- Jeans (Levi's 501 or Similar) $77$48 – $123
- Summer Dress in a Chain Store (e.g. Zara or H&M) $70$48 – $116
- Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) $117$49 – $164
- Men's Leather Business Shoes $102$82 – $123
Gym, Cinema & Leisure in Reading
Gym memberships, tennis court rentals, and cinema tickets.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fitness Club Membership | $54 | $41 – $76 |
| Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) | $12 | $0.00 – $18 |
| Cinema Ticket (International Release) | $14 | $8.18 – $16 |
- Monthly Fitness Club Membership $54$41 – $76
- Tennis Court Rental (1 Hour, Weekend) $12$0.00 – $18
- Cinema Ticket (International Release) $14$8.18 – $16
Restaurant Prices in Reading
Meals at inexpensive and mid-range restaurants, coffee, and soft drinks.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant | $27 | $15 – $48 |
| Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) | $95 | $82 – $164 |
| Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) | $11 | $9.54 – $12 |
| Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) | $8.86 | $6.82 – $11 |
| Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) | $6.81 | $5.79 – $6.82 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) | $5.04 | $2.71 – $6.14 |
| Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) | $3.17 | $2.05 – $4.91 |
| Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) | $2.78 | $2.05 – $4.09 |
- Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant $27$15 – $48
- Meal for Two at a Mid-Range Restaurant (Three Courses, Without Drinks) $95$82 – $164
- Combo Meal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Fast-Food Meal) $11$9.54 – $12
- Domestic Draft Beer (0.5 Liter) $8.86$6.82 – $11
- Imported Beer (0.33 Liter Bottle) $6.81$5.79 – $6.82
- Cappuccino (Regular Size) $5.04$2.71 – $6.14
- Soft Drink (Coca-Cola or Pepsi, 0.33 Liter Bottle) $3.17$2.05 – $4.91
- Bottled Water (0.33 Liter) $2.78$2.05 – $4.09
Salaries & Mortgages in Reading
Average monthly net salary and mortgage interest rates.
| Item | Median | Range (low–high) |
|---|---|---|
| Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) | $3,643 | — |
| Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) | 5.00% | — |
- Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) $3,643
- Annual Mortgage Interest Rate (20-Year Fixed, in %) 5.00%
Compare Reading with…
Pick any city to see costs side by side.
Related cities
Similar cost tier, nearby, or in the same country.
United Kingdom
Brighton
Monthly / 1 person
$2,272
vs NYC
51.6/100
United Kingdom
Edinburgh
Monthly / 1 person
$2,022
vs NYC
46/100
United Kingdom
Southampton
Monthly / 1 person
$2,013
vs NYC
45.8/100
United Kingdom
Milton-Keynes
Monthly / 1 person
$1,986
vs NYC
45.1/100
United Kingdom
Bristol
Monthly / 1 person
$2,326
vs NYC
52.9/100
United Kingdom
Manchester
Monthly / 1 person
$1,919
vs NYC
43.6/100
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to live in Reading?
- An estimated $2,155 per month covers rent, food, utilities, and transport for one person in Reading. A family of four needs around $4,435 per month, while students living shared accommodation manage on roughly $1,254.
- How much money do I need to live in Reading?
- Plan for at least $2,155 per month as a single person, $4,435 per month for a family of four, or $1,254 per month as a student in shared accommodation. Add 15–25% on top for taxes, savings, and discretionary spending — that's the salary you should be targeting before relocating to Reading.
- What is the average rent in Reading?
- A one-bedroom apartment in Reading rents for around $1,762 per month, with three-bedroom apartments in the city centre around $2,945 per month. Prices vary depending on neighbourhood, building age, and furnishings.
- What is the average salary in Reading?
- The average monthly net salary in Reading is around $3,643. Whether that's enough to live comfortably depends on housing choice — rent typically claims 48% of a single-person paycheck.
- How much does food cost in Reading?
- A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Reading costs around $27. Cooking at home, a single person spends roughly $65 per month on groceries. Staples like milk ($1.49/L) and bread ($1.76/500g) are typical.
- What is public transport like in Reading?
- A monthly public transport pass in Reading costs around $87. Cities with extensive metro and bus networks generally let residents skip car ownership entirely, particularly when commuting from areas outside the city centre.
- Is the internet expensive in Reading?
- Unlimited broadband at 60 Mbps or higher in Reading costs around $50 per month — useful context for remote workers comparing locations.