Los Angeles, CA vs Philadelphia, PA: Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living between Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.
Los Angeles, CA
CA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 113.1
- Housing RPP
- 177
- Goods RPP
- 106.3
- 2-BR median rent
- $2,544/mo
California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.
Philadelphia, PA
PA
- Overall RPP (US=100)
- 100.7
- Housing RPP
- 115.8
- Goods RPP
- 95.5
- 2-BR median rent
- $1,737/mo
Pennsylvania flat income tax 3.07%. Philadelphia city wage tax 3.75% residents.
Equivalent salary
Philadelphia, PA is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA by about 11.0% (RPP 113.1 to 100.7).
$60,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $53,422
in Philadelphia, PA
$100,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $89,036
in Philadelphia, PA
$150,000 in Los Angeles, CA
-> $133,554
in Philadelphia, PA
This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Philadelphia, PA cheaper or more expensive than Los Angeles, CA?
- Philadelphia, PA (RPP 100.7) is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) by about 11.0%.
- What salary do I need in Philadelphia, PA if I earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA?
- You would need approximately $89,036 in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA. Formula: $100,000 x (100.7 / 113.1).