Median rent is 30% lower in Philadelphia ($1,323/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Philadelphia, where the median home runs $232,400 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $60,698 a year). Taken together, Philadelphia is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 113.3 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Philadelphia is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Philadelphia vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Philadelphia, PA
How much would you need to earn in Philadelphia, PA to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Philadelphia, PA
$66,681
You could earn $8,319 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Philadelphia — median rent of $1,323/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 30% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $232,400 in Philadelphia — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 3.07% in Pennsylvania, so Philadelphia is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.00% in Pennsylvania; Philadelphia has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Philadelphia
Income tax: 3.07%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Philadelphia has cleaner air on average: 58.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,323/mo median).
Pick Philadelphia if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 58.0).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Philadelphia.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Philadelphia?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,323/mo in Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rent by about 30%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $60,698 in Philadelphia, PA. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Philadelphia, PA has better air quality on average: 58.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Philadelphia?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Pennsylvania's is 3.07%. Philadelphia, PA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $88,908 in Philadelphia, PA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology