Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA vs Philadelphia, PA (2026)

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85

Los Angeles is 102% more expensive than Philadelphia.

$1,879/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
$80,366/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$60,698/yr ↓ 24%
$879,500 ↑ 278%
Home Value
$232,400 ↓ 74%
$2,055/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,233/mo ↓ 40%
3,857,897
Population
1,582,432

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 85 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $556/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,672/year.

Median household income is $19,668/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $232,400 in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Philadelphia — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Philadelphia?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Philadelphia it's $1,323/month — a difference of $556/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Philadelphia?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $60,698 in Philadelphia. Median household income is $19,668/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Pennsylvania?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Philadelphia?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Los Angeles details → View Philadelphia details →