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Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

20.6% Philadelphia, PA is cheaper overall
38.2% 38.2% cheaper housing
3.6% 3.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 38.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Philadelphia
110
🛒 Groceries 3.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Philadelphia
106
🚗 Transportation 10.4% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Philadelphia
112
🏥 Healthcare 6.2% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Philadelphia
105
⚡ Utilities 2.9% more
Los Angeles
105
Philadelphia
108

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Philadelphia, PA Difference
Overall Cost Index13610820.6% less
Housing17811038.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,50040.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$280,00068.2% less
Groceries1101063.6% less
Transportation12511210.4% less
Healthcare1121056.2% less
Utilities1051082.9% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Philadelphia, PA
State Income Tax13.30% (top)3.07%
State Sales Tax7.25%6.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%1.36%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneYes

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
Philadelphia, PA
$62,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Philadelphia costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Philadelphia to maintain your Los Angeles lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Philadelphia (108). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Philadelphia4.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Philadelphia1.8%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
PhiladelphiaHealthcare, Education, Pharma

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Philadelphia34 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Philadelphia79
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Philadelphia46
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Philadelphia56°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Philadelphia1,603,797

Moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Los Angeles and Philadelphia → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Philadelphia →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?+
Philadelphia is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 38.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Philadelphia?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,500/month in Philadelphia — a difference of about $1,000 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Philadelphia?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of 3.07% and sales tax of 6.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 compared to $62,000 in Philadelphia. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Los Angeles vs Philadelphia?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $280,000 in Philadelphia — a difference of $600,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Pennsylvania averages 1.36%.