Lakewood CDP vs Philadelphia

Category / Metric	Lakewood CDP	Philadelphia
Financial Overview
Median Income	$70,483	$60,302
Unemployment Rate	5.4%	4.7%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$660,100	$270,375
Price per SqFt	$null	$204
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,743	$1,451
Housing Cost Index	149.3	117.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	109.5	100.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	195.4	726.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	35.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	23	40

Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Philadelphia and Lakewood CDP.

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Philadelphia vs. Lakewood CDP: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. One path leads to a bustling, gritty, historic metropolis. The other leads to a sunny, relaxed, coastal community. It’s not just a choice of zip codes; it’s a choice of lifestyles.

We’re comparing Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, against Lakewood CDP, a coastal community in California. This isn't just about stats on a page. It’s about where you’ll thrive, where your paycheck goes further, and where you can actually build a life.

Let’s settle this.

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1. The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Glitter

Philadelphia (Philly)
Philly is a city with a chip on its shoulder and a heart of gold. It’s dense, loud, and unapologetically real. This is where you go if you want four distinct seasons, world-class museums, and a food scene that runs the gamut from cheesesteaks to Michelin stars. It’s a city of neighborhoods—Fishtown, Old City, University City—each with its own personality. It’s fast-paced, gritty, and incredibly walkable.

• Who is it for? The urban professional, the history buff, the foodie on a budget, and anyone who craves the energy of a major city without the Manhattan price tag.

Lakewood CDP (Lakewood)
Lakewood is the definition of Southern California living. It’s a sprawling, suburban community nestled in Los Angeles County. The vibe here is laid-back, family-oriented, and centered around the outdoors. With its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a focus on parks and schools, it’s quieter, sunnier, and more car-dependent. It’s not a "city" in the traditional sense; it’s a massive, comfortable suburb.

• Who is it for? Families prioritizing schools and safety, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who want the L.A. lifestyle (beaches, weather, entertainment) without the downtown L.A. chaos and price tag.

Verdict: If you want a walkable, energy-packed urban core, Philly wins. If you want sunshine, space, and a relaxed suburban feel, Lakewood takes it.

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2. The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just looking at cost; we’re looking at purchasing power.

Let’s say you earn the median income in each city. Where does that money feel like more?

Expense Category	Philadelphia	Lakewood CDP	Winner
Median Income	$60,302	$70,483	Lakewood
Median Home Price	$270,375	$660,100	Philadelphia
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	$1,743	Philadelphia
Housing Index	117.8	149.3	Philadelphia
Utilities (Est.)	$150 - $220	$180 - $250	Philadelphia (Slight)
Groceries	~15% above nat'l avg	~25% above nat'l avg	Philadelphia

The Analysis:
Lakewood boasts a higher median income—about $10,000 more than Philly. However, that extra cash gets absolutely steamrolled by the cost of housing. The median home in Lakewood is $660,100, over $389,000 more expensive than in Philadelphia. Rent is also significantly higher.

• Purchasing Power in Philadelphia: Your dollar stretches further. The Housing Index of 117.8 is high (100 is the U.S. average), but it’s a bargain compared to Lakewood’s 149.3. If you earn $100k in Philly, you can afford a comfortable lifestyle, save for a home, and still enjoy the city. In Lakewood, a $100k salary puts you in a tough spot for homeownership without a significant down payment or dual income.
• The Tax Twist: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. California has a progressive income tax that can go up to 12.3% for middle-class earners. This is a massive hidden cost in Lakewood. That $70k salary in Lakewood is taxed much more heavily than Philly’s $60k.

Verdict: For pure financial breathing room and buying power, Philadelphia is the clear winner. Lakewood’s higher pay is an illusion when you factor in the brutal cost of living and taxes.

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3. The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Philadelphia:
The market is competitive but accessible. With a median home price of $270,375, homeownership is a realistic goal for many. It’s a buyer’s market in many neighborhoods, with a decent inventory of row homes, condos, and single-family houses. Renting is also a strong, viable option, with plenty of inventory. The barrier to entry is lower.

Lakewood CDP:
The market is a seller’s paradise. With a median home price of $660,100 and limited land for new construction, competition is fierce. You’re competing with all of Los Angeles County. Renting is the default for many, but even that is expensive. The barrier to entry is high—you need significant capital or a high household income to get in.

Verdict: If you want to own a home without being house-poor, Philadelphia is your best bet. Lakewood is a tough market unless you’re coming in with major equity or a high dual income.

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4. The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Philadelphia: Dense and walkable. Many residents don’t own a car, relying on SEPTA (buses, subways, trains). Traffic exists but is manageable compared to other major metros. Commutes are often short if you live and work in the city.
• Lakewood CDP: Car-centric. You will drive everywhere. Commutes can be brutal—expect 30-60 minutes to get to downtown L.A. or other major job centers. Traffic is a daily reality of life in Southern California.

Weather:

• Philadelphia: Four true seasons. Hot, humid summers (90°F+), beautiful falls, cold, snowy winters (30°F), and rainy springs. If you hate winter, this is a dealbreaker.
• Lakewood CDP: The gold standard. Average highs in the 70s and 80s year-round. Very little rain. The weather is consistently pleasant. This is a massive selling point.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most significant differentiator.

• Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100k. This is high—above the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. Some areas are perfectly safe, while others require caution.
• Lakewood CDP: Violent crime rate is 195.4 per 100k. This is well below the national average (~380 per 100k). Lakewood is statistically a much safer community.

Verdict: This is a trade-off. Lakewood wins on safety and weather hands down. Philadelphia wins on walkability and commute if you choose your neighborhood wisely.

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5. The Final Verdict

Choosing between these two is about prioritizing what matters most to you.

Winner for Families: Lakewood CDP

For families, safety and schools are paramount. Lakewood’s low violent crime rate (195.4/100k) and strong suburban school system offer peace of mind. The weather allows for year-round outdoor activities. The trade-off? You’ll pay heavily for it and likely face a long commute for work.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia

If you’re young, career-focused, and want a social life that doesn’t revolve around a car, Philly is unbeatable. The cost of living allows you to build savings while enjoying a vibrant urban environment. You can walk to bars, restaurants, and parks. Lakewood’s suburban sprawl can feel isolating for a single person without a car and a high income.

Winner for Retirees: It Depends (But leaning Lakewood)

This is a tie, but for different reasons.

• Choose Lakewood if your priority is weather, safety, and a relaxed pace. The higher cost of living is manageable on a fixed income if you’ve built equity elsewhere.
• Choose Philadelphia if you want walkability, culture, and lower taxes (Pennsylvania doesn’t tax retirement income). The four seasons might be a downside, but the urban access is a huge plus.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Philadelphia

PROS:

• Affordable Housing: Median home price of $270,375.
• Walkable & Car-Optional: Excellent public transit.
• Culture & History: World-class museums, restaurants, and history.
• Lower Taxes: Flat income tax and no tax on retirement income.

CONS:

• Higher Crime: Violent crime rate of 726.5/100k.
• Harsh Winters: Snow and cold are a reality.
• Gritty: Can feel rough around the edges in many areas.

Lakewood CDP

PROS:

• Excellent Weather: Year-round sunshine and mild temps.
• Very Safe: Violent crime rate of 195.4/100k.
• Great for Families: Strong schools and community feel.
• Proximity to L.A. & Beaches: Access to major amenities.

CONS:

• Extremely Expensive Housing: Median home price of $660,100.
• Car-Dependent: Driving is mandatory.
• High Taxes: California’s progressive income tax bites deep.
• Long Commutes: Traffic is a daily grind.

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The Bottom Line

If you’re chasing affordability, urban energy, and a lower tax burden, pack your bags for Philadelphia. It’s a city that rewards those who dive in, and your paycheck will go much, much further.

If you’re chasing safety, perfect weather, and a family-friendly suburban lifestyle—and you have the income to afford it—Lakewood CDP is your paradise. Just be prepared for the financial and logistical (traffic) realities of Southern California living.