Data last updated: August 2026

Los Angeles, CAPhiladelphia, PA

You would need around 19.9% less money in Philadelphia, PA to maintain the same standard of living you have in Los Angeles, CA.

Overall Cost of Living

19.9%

Philadelphia, PA is cheaper than Los Angeles, CA

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A2,534 USD
City B1,943 USD
Difference-23.3%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A328 USD
City B310 USD
Difference-5.5%

Average Net Salary

City A4,485 USD
City B4,426 USD
Difference-1.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA is 19.9% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Philadelphia, PA's center costs around 1,943 USD, which is a staggering 23.3% less than in Los Angeles, CA. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Los Angeles, CA and Philadelphia, PA is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Philadelphia, PA to maintain your current lifestyle in Los Angeles, CA.

USD

You need in Philadelphia, PA

3,593 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Los Angeles, CA to Philadelphia, PA and investing the 20% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 3.0 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Los Angeles, CA budget to local Philadelphia, PA prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1943 USD
Groceries310 USD
Utilities & Internet270 USD

Investment Planner

You save 591 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Philadelphia, PA.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~99,288 USD in 10 years.