Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Philadelphia, PA is 41.6% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $3120 per month.

What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $112,556.261 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA?

Housing in Philadelphia, PA is 70.2% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,660/month in Philadelphia, PA compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA could save you approximately $3120 per month, or $37444 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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Los Angeles, CA

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Philadelphia, PA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.1K/month moving to Philadelphia, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.6K in Philadelphia, PA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 41.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,120

Savings

Annual Impact

$37.4K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

Philadelphia, PA

Population:1584K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$241K

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Philadelphia, PA

The Keystone State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Birthplace of America
•Cheesesteak city
•Major East Coast hub

Major Industries

HealthcareEducationFinanceManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Los Angeles, CA vs Philadelphia, PA

Category	Los Angeles, CA	Philadelphia, PA	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,313/mo	↓ $5,437less	70.2%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,421/mo	↓ $738less	34.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,104/mo	↑ $63.95more	6.1%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$607/mo	↑ $53.28more	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$607/mo	↑ $49.18more	8.8%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $43.52more	2.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 70.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Philadelphia, PA

$2,313

Difference

$5,437

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 34.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Philadelphia, PA

$1,421

Difference

$738

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 6.1%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Philadelphia, PA

$1,104

Difference

$63.95

🏥Healthcare

↑ 9.6%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$53.28

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Philadelphia, PA

$607

Difference

$49.18

📦Other

↑ 2.5%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Philadelphia, PA

$1,774

Difference

$43.52

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Philadelphia, PA: Philadelphia Wage Tax (resident)$5,625/yr (3.8%)

Los Angeles, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$1,280

↓ $630

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$1,390

↓ $745

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$1,660

↓ $1,000

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$1,990

↓ $1,380

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

Philadelphia, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$2,280/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$7,826

Monthly in Philadelphia, PA

$5,964

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

Philadelphia

$885K

Median Value

$241K

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↑ +2.8%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↑ +9%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$71K - $855K

Homes in Philadelphia are 73% less expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - Philadelphia

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $6.0K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$502

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.0%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Philadelphia, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Additional Tax Information

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Philadelphia, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.