California
High tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 4 categories
Pennsylvania
Moderate tax burden · COL index 97
Wins 9 categories
California's top income tax rate is 13.3% vs Pennsylvania's 3.07%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 46% higher than Pennsylvania (index 97). Property taxes are meaningfully different: Pennsylvania averages 1.43% annually vs California's 0.71%. The median home in California costs $790K vs $270K in Pennsylvania.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
4
California
9
Pennsylvania
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Which is better, California or Pennsylvania?
You can expect food, utilities and housing to be much more affordable in Pennsylvania. According to data gathered by My Life Elsewhere the overall cost of living in Pennsylvania is 16.6% cheaper than in California. People who live in Pennsylvania also spend 35.5% less on childcare and 22% less on entertainment.
Is $70,000 enough to live in California?
Is $70k Enough to Live in Los Angeles? A $70,000 salary in Los Angeles is enough to get by, but you'll need to be strategic. LA is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and while $70K sounds solid, it often lands just under what's considered a "comfortable" income for solo renters.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Pennsylvania?
Overall cost of living in Philadelphia, PA is 29.6% lower than in Los Angeles, CA. The average listing price for a home in Philadelphia, PA is $524,116, which is 61.2% lower than Los Angeles, CA. The average cost of groceries in Philadelphia, PA is 5.0% lower than Los Angeles, CA.
Why are people moving out of Philly?