The Salary Index

Salary Comparison

Area: Reading vs Philadelphia

Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.

Reading, PA

$82,416/yr

Take-home$5,014/mo
Disposable$2,787/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
Best Value

Philadelphia, PA

$103,510/yr

Take-home$6,297/mo
Disposable$3,457/mo
Lifestyle8/10 ยท Comfortable
๐Ÿ†

Our recommendation: Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia offers $670 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.

Full Breakdown

Reading

Philadelphia

Diff (Aโˆ’B)

Annual Gross Salary

$82,416

$103,510

$21,094

A vs B

Monthly Take-Home

After estimated federal + state taxes

$5,014

$6,297

$1,283

A vs B

Cost of Living Index

Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100

86

106

-20 pts

A vs B

Monthly Living Costs

Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare

$2,227

$2,840

$613

A vs B

Monthly Rent

$1,281

$1,680

$399

A vs B

Monthly Disposable

$2,787

$3,457

$670

A vs B

Purchasing Power Score

Take-home รท living costs. Higher is better

2.25ร—

2.22ร—

+0.03ร—

A vs B

Lifestyle Score

8/10 (Comfortable)

8/10 (Comfortable)

+0

A vs B

Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.