Reading, PA vs South El Monte, CA
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Reading
74.9
#536 nationally
South El Monte
62.5
#1853 nationally
Reading leads in cost of living index (88 vs 148). South El Monte leads in median household income ($67,724 vs $42,852). Reading leads in crime level (9.2 vs 12.8).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Reading, PA | South El Monte, CA |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 74.9 (#536) | 62.5 (#1853) |
| Population | 94,903 | 19,032 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $268,328 | $759,990 |
| Median Household Income | $42,852 | $67,724 |
| Average Commute | 24.3 min | 27.7 min |
| Walk Score | 72 | 61 |
| Crime Level | 9.2 | 12.8 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 88 | 148 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | R+12.2 | D+32.9 |
C
74.9 Score
Reading, PA
Pennsylvania community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$268,328
Population
94,903
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
72
Northeast
View Reading, PA →
D-
62.5 Score
South El Monte, CA
Small California city with local appeal
Median Home
$759,990
Population
19,032
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
61
Pacific
View South El Monte, CA →
Try a different matchup
Swap Reading for: