A detailed side-by-side comparison of the cost of living, housing prices, income levels, and overall affordability between Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA.
CA
Population: 3,820,914
PA
Population: 1,576,251
National average = 100. Higher values indicate a more expensive area.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Philadelphia, PA | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 170 | 100 | +70.0% |
| Median Home Price | $850,000 | $260,000 | +226.9% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.76% | 1.36% | -44.1% |
| Median Household Income | $75,902 | $52,649 | +44.2% |
| Population | 3,820,914 | 1,576,251 | +142.4% |
Philadelphia, PA is 70.0% cheaper to live in than Los Angeles, CA, based on the overall cost of living index.
Home Price Difference
$590,000
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper by 226.9%
Income Difference
$23,253
Los Angeles, CA earns more by 44.2%
Price-to-income ratio: median home price divided by median household income. A lower ratio indicates more affordable housing.
Los Angeles, CA
11.2x
$850,000 / $75,902
Philadelphia, PA
4.9x
$260,000 / $52,649
Overall, Philadelphia, PA is the more affordable city to live in. With a cost of living index of 100 compared to 170, a median home price of $260,000, and a price-to-income ratio of 4.9x, Philadelphia, PA offers better value for residents looking to stretch their dollar further. However, the median household income in Los Angeles, CA ($75,902) is higher, which may offset some of the cost differences.