47
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
68
Overall Score /100
Wins 2 of 7 categories
Philadelphia wins 2–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Philadelphia wins 1–2 overall (68/100)
💰 Philadelphia is more affordable
💼 Philadelphia has lower unemployment
🛡️ Philadelphia has fewer disasters
📋 Los Angeles vs Philadelphia — The Verdict
Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 compared to Los Angeles's 47.5/100, winning 2 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Philadelphia has a clear edge with home prices 74% lower. Philadelphia has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 4.2%. For safety-conscious movers, Philadelphia has a notably lower disaster history with 42 fewer declarations in 20 years. Philadelphia may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Philadelphia are 74% lower — a difference of $607,100 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Philadelphia saves you $541/month — that's $6,492 per year.
💵
Households in Los Angeles earn $18,707 more per year (33% higher median income).
📊
Philadelphia has a 1.3 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
🛡️
Philadelphia has experienced 42 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$822,600
$215,500
Median Rent /mo
$1,791
$1,250
Median Income
$76,244
$57,537
The affordability gap is significant — Philadelphia offers home prices 74% lower than Los Angeles, translating to $607,100 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
4.2%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Philadelphia having a slight edge at 4.2% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
54
12
Hurricane Risk
Low
Moderate
Philadelphia has a markedly lower disaster history — 42 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Los Angeles to Philadelphia: Common Questions
Is Los Angeles or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is more affordable overall. Home prices are $607,100 lower in Philadelphia. Monthly rent is $1,250 in Philadelphia vs $1,791 in Los Angeles.
Does Los Angeles or Philadelphia have better weather?
Philadelphia scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Los Angeles or Philadelphia better for finding a job?
Philadelphia currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 5.5% in Los Angeles vs 4.2% in Philadelphia. Median household income is $76,244 in Los Angeles and $57,537 in Philadelphia.
Which city is safer — Los Angeles or Philadelphia?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Philadelphia is safer. Los Angeles has had 54 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 12 in Philadelphia. Los Angeles scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Philadelphia.
Should I move from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?
Based on our data, Philadelphia scores 68.2/100 vs Los Angeles's 47.5/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Philadelphia is more affordable, while Philadelphia has a better climate.
Planning to move from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.