Inglewood vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Inglewood	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$72,900	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$749,000	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$542	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,252	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	173.0	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	678.0	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	25.2%	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	97	40

Philadelphia vs. Inglewood: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re torn between two cities that couldn’t be more different if they tried. On one side, you’ve got Philadelphia—the gritty, historic, no-nonsense underdog of the East Coast. On the other, you’ve got Inglewood—the sun-drenched, fast-moving heart of the Los Angeles metro area, home to SoFi Stadium and a whole lot of hustle.

This isn’t just a coin toss; it’s a lifestyle decision. Are you chasing the energy of a major metro with a soul, or are you betting on the relentless glow of the Hollywood spotlight? Let’s break it down, no fluff, just the data and the real talk you need to make the call.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Glamour

Philadelphia is a city with a chip on its shoulder, and honestly, it’s earned it. This is the City of Brotherly Love, but it’s also the City of Tough Love. The vibe is unapologetically authentic. You’ll find world-class museums (the Barnes Foundation is a masterpiece) sitting blocks away from legendary cheesesteak joints. The culture is a blend of Ivy League intellect, blue-collar pride, and a burgeoning arts scene. It’s a city for people who value history, walkability, and a sense of community that feels earned, not given. You’re not here for the flash; you’re here for the substance.

Inglewood is a different beast entirely. It’s not a sleepy suburb; it’s a city in its own right, undergoing a massive renaissance fueled by the NFL’s Rams and Chargers and the LA Clippers. The vibe is energetic, entrepreneurial, and deeply connected to the broader Los Angeles culture. It’s a city for the ambitious, the hustlers, and those who want to be close to the epicenter of entertainment, sunshine, and opportunity. It’s less about quiet history and more about building the future, right now.

Who is each city for?

• Philadelphia is for the budget-conscious professional, the history buff, the sports fanatic, and anyone who wants big-city amenities without the Manhattan price tag.
• Inglewood is for the aspiring creative, the sports/entertainment industry professional, and anyone who has "LA" written on their soul and is willing to pay the premium for it.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power.

Salary Wars:
Philadelphia’s median income is $60,302, while Inglewood’s is $72,900. On the surface, Inglewood looks richer. But wait. The median home price in Inglewood is a staggering $749,000—nearly triple Philadelphia’s $270,375. The rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is also significantly higher in Inglewood ($2,252 vs. Philadelphia’s $1,451).

If you earn $100,000 in Philadelphia, you’re in the upper-middle class. That same salary in Inglewood puts you firmly in the middle class, struggling to keep up with housing costs. The "sticker shock" in California is real, and it’s compounded by California’s high state income tax (up to 13.3%). Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. That’s a massive difference that hits your take-home pay every single month.

Cost of Living Table

Category	Philadelphia	Inglewood	Winner for Budget
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$2,252	Philadelphia
Median Home Price	$270,375	$749,000	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	173.0	Philadelphia
Utilities (Est.)	High (Cold Winters)	Moderate (Mild Climate)	Tie
Groceries	Moderate	High (LA Premium)	Philadelphia

The Verdict on Dollar Power: Philadelphia wins this round decisively. The cost of living, especially housing, is simply in a different league. Your paycheck stretches much, much further in Philly. In Inglewood, you’re paying a significant premium for the location and the weather.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia: The housing market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price under $300k, homeownership is a realistic goal for many middle-income earners. It’s very much a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, with more inventory available. Renting is also a viable long-term option, with a large stock of apartments and row houses. The key is finding a neighborhood that fits your vibe—Fishtown for hipsters, Center City for urbanites, Mount Airy for families.

Inglewood: The housing market is a different planet. The median home price is $749,000, and that’s for a city that’s still considered "up-and-coming" by LA standards. It’s a seller’s market, with high demand and limited inventory driving prices up. For most, renting is the only immediate option, and even that comes with a hefty price tag. The competition is fierce, and the barrier to entry is sky-high. You’re not just buying a house; you’re buying into the LA dream, and it comes with a LA price tag.

The Verdict: For buyers, Philadelphia is the clear winner. For renters, Philadelphia still offers better value, but Inglewood gives you access to the LA rental market, which is vast and diverse.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Philadelphia: Traffic can be a headache, especially on I-76 and I-95, but the city is incredibly walkable and has a decent public transit system (SEPTA). Many residents can live car-free or car-light.
• Inglewood: You are in Los Angeles County. Traffic is a legendary, soul-crushing part of life. Commutes can be hours long, even for short distances. A car is a necessity, not a luxury. This is a major lifestyle cost.

Weather

• Philadelphia: Seasons are real. Winters are cold (52°F annual average is misleading; it can dip into the teens with snow and ice). Summers are hot and humid. You get the full spectrum, which some love and others hate.
• Inglewood: It’s nearly perfect on paper. Mild, sunny, and dry. The annual average is 64°F, but it’s more about the lack of extremes. No snow, no humidity. This is a huge draw and a major reason for the premium.

Crime & Safety

Let’s be direct. Both cities have crime challenges. The data shows:

• Philadelphia Violent Crime: 726.5 per 100k.
• Inglewood Violent Crime: 678.0 per 100k.

They are statistically similar, with Inglewood slightly lower. However, safety is hyper-local. In both cities, you’ll find incredibly safe, family-friendly neighborhoods right next to areas with higher crime rates. The key is researching specific blocks, not just the city as a whole. In Philadelphia, stick to areas like Center City, Society Hill, or parts of West Philadelphia. In Inglewood, focus on neighborhoods like Morningside Park or parts of West Inglewood.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins?

This isn’t about which city is "better." It’s about which city is better for you.

Winner for Families: Philadelphia

Why: The math is undeniable. For the price of a modest home in Inglewood ($749k), you can own a beautiful, spacious row house in a great Philly neighborhood with a yard. The school system has excellent charter and private options, and the city offers incredible cultural institutions (the Franklin Institute, the Zoo) that are accessible. The trade-off is weather and safety, but the financial breathing room is a game-changer for a family budget.

Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: It Depends

• The Hustler: Inglewood. If your career is in entertainment, tech, or sports, and you thrive on the LA energy and networking, the premium is worth it. You’re paying for proximity to opportunity.
• The Budget-Conscious Creative: Philadelphia. If you’re an artist, writer, or remote worker who wants a vibrant city culture without going broke, Philly is your haven. You can build a life here on a salary that would leave you struggling in LA.

Winner for Retirees: Philadelphia

Why: Fixed income meets high cost of living. Inglewood’s taxes and housing costs would decimate a retirement portfolio. Pennsylvania has low property taxes compared to California and a flat state income tax. Philadelphia has walkable neighborhoods, world-class healthcare (Penn Medicine, Jefferson), and a rich cultural life that’s accessible without a car. It’s a more financially sustainable place to enjoy your golden years.

---

City-Specific Pros & Cons

Philadelphia: The Underdog Champion

Pros:

• Unbeatable Value: You get a major city experience for a fraction of the cost.
• Walkability & Transit: Easy to live without a car in many neighborhoods.
• Rich History & Culture: From Independence Hall to the Barnes Foundation, it’s a cultural powerhouse.
• Food Scene: From high-end restaurants to iconic street food, it’s a foodie’s paradise.
• Central Location: Easy trips to NYC, DC, and the Jersey Shore.

Cons:

• Harsh Winters: The cold and snow are real and last for months.
• Public School System: Requires research; many opt for charters or private.
• City Services: Can be inconsistent in some neighborhoods.
• Urban Decay: Some areas are still struggling with poverty and blight.

Inglewood: The High-Stakes Bet

Pros:

• Perfect Weather: The climate is a major quality-of-life boost.
• LA Proximity: Access to the entire Los Angeles metro area—beaches, mountains, entertainment.
• Economic Momentum: Major investments (SoFi Stadium, Clippers) are transforming the city.
• Diverse Culture: A vibrant, multicultural community.

Cons:

• Extremely High Cost of Living: Housing, taxes, and daily expenses are a massive burden.
• Traffic & Car Dependency: A car is a must, and commuting is a daily grind.
• Competitive Housing Market: High prices and fierce competition for rentals and purchases.
• Gentrification Pressures: Rapid change can displace long-term residents.

The Bottom Line

Choose Philadelphia if your priority is financial flexibility, historic charm, and a city with a distinct, gritty personality. It’s the smart, sustainable choice for building a life.

Choose Inglewood if your career and dreams are tied to the Los Angeles ecosystem, and you’re willing to pay a steep premium for sunshine and proximity to the action. It’s a high-reward, high-risk play.

For most people, the data points to Philadelphia as the more livable, affordable, and financially sound choice. But if Inglewood is calling your name, you already know what you’re signing up for.