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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Philadelphia is 37% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,323/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 8%
$60,698/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 13%
$232,400 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 164%
$1,233/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 18%
1,582,432
Population
114,617

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $108/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,296/year.

Median household income is $7,680/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Philadelphia or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $108/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $7,680/year higher in East Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and California?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Philadelphia details → View East Los Angeles details →

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