City comparison

Los Angeles vs Philadelphia

Los Angeles scores higher on salary; Philadelphia has a lower cost of living. Compare Los Angeles and Philadelphia on earnings, rent pressure, career opportunity, and 3-year financial impact.

Overall verdict

Los Angeles scores higher overall

Philadelphia is a mixed trade-off compared to your current city

How they compare

If you want to save more

Los AngelesOverall fitPhiladelphia
57 / 61+4 Philadelphia
Los AngelesSavingsPhiladelphia
51 / 57+6 Philadelphia
Los AngelesCareerPhiladelphia
79 / 67+12 Los
Los AngelesLow pressurePhiladelphia
52 / 67+15 Philadelphia

If you want career growth

Los AngelesOverall fitPhiladelphia
68 / 65+3 Los
Los AngelesSavingsPhiladelphia
51 / 57+6 Philadelphia
Los AngelesCareerPhiladelphia
79 / 67+12 Los
Los AngelesLow pressurePhiladelphia
52 / 67+15 Philadelphia

If you want better balance

Los AngelesOverall fitPhiladelphia
66 / 65+1 Los
Los AngelesSavingsPhiladelphia
51 / 57+6 Philadelphia
Los AngelesCareerPhiladelphia
79 / 67+12 Los
Los AngelesLow pressurePhiladelphia
52 / 67+15 Philadelphia

Financial impact: moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia

Based on a representative $80,000 USD salary. Not tax-adjusted.

+$1
Monthly
+$12
1 year
+$36
3 years

Moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia: trade-offs

You gain

+Less financial pressure — lower rent-to-income ratio means more breathing room

You lose

Smaller career market — fewer top-tier roles and lower salary ceiling than your current city
Lower lifestyle score — Philadelphia ranks below your current city on liveability

Los Angeles

US
Salary index
78
Cost index
76
Rent pressure
48
Opportunity
80

Philadelphia

US
Salary index
66
Cost index
58
Rent pressure
33
Opportunity
68

Get a personalised verdict for your salary

The comparison above uses a representative salary. Enter yours for an accurate picture.

Compare with my salary →