Laurel, MD vs Reading, PA

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.

Laurel

66.4

#1547 nationally

vs

Reading

74.9

#536 nationally

Laurel leads in median household income ($92,035 vs $42,852). Reading leads in cost of living index (88 vs 125). Reading leads in average commute (24.3 min vs 33.5 min).

Metric-by-Metric Breakdown

Metric Laurel, MD Reading, PA
WhereAtHome Score 66.4 (#1547) 74.9 (#536)
Population 29,400 94,903
Typical Home Value (ZHVI) $478,130 $268,328
Median Household Income $92,035 $42,852
Average Commute 33.5 min 24.3 min
Walk Score 53 72
Crime Level 10.8 9.2
School Rating N/A N/A
Cost of Living Index 125 88
Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored D+13.9 R+12.2
Laurel, MD
D
66.4 Score

Laurel, MD

Small Maryland city with local appeal

Median Home

$478,130

Population

29,400

Crime

Moderate-High

Walk Score

53

Northeast View Laurel, MD →
Reading, PA
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 →

Try a different matchup

Swap Laurel for:

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Swap Reading for:

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