Levittown CDP vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Levittown CDP	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$101,619	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$311,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$null	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,190	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	117.8	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	100.3	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	413.7	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	25.1%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	30	52

The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Los Angeles vs. Levittown CDP

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, the neon-drenched, star-studded sprawl of Los Angeles, a city that promises glamour and grit in equal measure. On the other, the quiet, tree-lined streets of Levittown, a CDP (Census Designated Place) that whispers of suburban stability and community roots.

This isn't just a choice between two zip codes; it's a choice between two completely different lifestyles. One is a high-stakes, high-reward gamble. The other is a safe bet. Let's cut through the hype and the quiet and see which one actually fits your life.

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The Vibe Check: Dream Factory vs. Neighborhood Nostalgia

Los Angeles is a beast. It’s a city of 3.8 million people where the weather is perfect, the traffic is a nightmare, and the dreams are as big as the mountains that frame it. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly ambitious. You’re rubbing shoulders with aspiring actors, tech entrepreneurs, and street food vendors. It’s a place of endless possibilities, but you have to hustle to grab them. It’s for the creators, the risk-takers, and those who thrive on energy.

Levittown CDP (located in New York on Long Island) is the quintessential American suburb. With a population of just over 50,000, it’s a tight-knit community that feels like a snapshot from the 1950s—tree-lined streets, single-family homes, and a strong sense of local pride. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and stable. It’s about community events, good schools, and quiet weekends. It’s for those who value security, community, and a slower pace of life.

Who’s it for?

• LA is for the go-getters, the artists, the adrenaline junkies, and anyone who says, "I’ll sleep when I'm dead."
• Levittown is for families looking to plant roots, professionals seeking a peaceful home base, and anyone who wants to know their neighbors by name.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. The "sticker shock" in LA is real, but Levittown isn't exactly cheap. Let’s break down the cold, hard cash.

Cost of Living Comparison Table

Category	Los Angeles	Levittown CDP	The Winner (For Your Wallet)
Median Income	$79,701	$101,619	Levittown CDP
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$311,000	Levittown CDP
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,190	Levittown CDP
Housing Index	173.0	117.8	Levittown CDP
Violent Crime (per 100k)	732.5	413.7	Levittown CDP

Let's be real: Los Angeles is brutally expensive. The housing index of 173.0 means you're paying 73% more than the national average just for a roof over your head. A median home price of $1,002,500 isn't a mansion; it's a modest 3-bedroom in a decent-but-not-glamorous neighborhood. Rent for a one-bedroom is over $2,000, and that's before you find a place that doesn't have a "shared bathroom" or a "private balcony" that's actually a fire escape.

Levittown CDP offers a much more manageable financial landscape. With a median home price of $311,000, you're looking at a starter home for less than a third of the LA price. Rent is a gentle $1,190, and the housing index of 117.8—while still above average—is a far cry from LA's stratospheric numbers.

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power

Here’s the kicker: Median income in Levittown is higher ($101,619 vs. $79,701). So, not only is Levittown cheaper, but its residents also earn more on average. This creates a massive advantage in purchasing power.

If you earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, after California's high income taxes (which can hit over 9% for that bracket) and the insane cost of living, you're likely feeling the pinch. Your $100k feels like $65k in terms of what you can actually buy.

If you earn $100,000 in Levittown (or nearby NYC area, where Levittown is located), your money goes much further. New York has a progressive income tax, but it's generally more manageable than California's for the middle class. Your $100k here feels more like $85k in purchasing power. You can afford a mortgage on a single-family home, save for retirement, and maybe even take a vacation.

Verdict: For pure financial power and bang for your buck, Levittown CDP wins this round decisively. LA is a luxury you pay for in more ways than one.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Los Angeles: A Seller's Paradise, A Buyer's Nightmare
The LA housing market is a cutthroat battlefield. With a median price over a million dollars, the barrier to entry is astronomical. It’s a seller’s market, meaning bidding wars are common, all-cash offers are the norm, and homes sell in days. Renting is the only option for most, but even that is competitive. You’re not just renting an apartment; you’re renting a lifestyle, and the premium is steep. Availability is low, and competition is fierce.

Levittown CDP: A Stable, Accessible Market
Levittown’s housing market is the definition of stable. The median home price of $311,000 is within reach for many middle-class families. It’s a buyer’s market where you have time to decide, negotiate, and not be rushed. The famous "Levittown" homes—affordable, identical post-war houses—created a template for American suburbia. Today, that legacy means a steady supply of housing inventory. Renting is also easier to find and more affordable. You’re not competing with tech millionaires for a two-bedroom.

The Bottom Line: If you want to buy a home and build equity without selling a kidney, Levittown is the clear choice. If you’re set on renting and accepting that you’ll likely never own in LA, that’s a different story—but Levittown still offers better value.

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The Dealbreakers: Life Beyond the Spreadsheet

Traffic & Commute

• Los Angeles: The word "commute" in LA is a four-letter word. The average commute is long, and traffic is legendary. You can easily spend 2+ hours in your car daily just to get to work and back. Public transit is improving but is still not comprehensive. Your time is a currency you spend in traffic.
• Levittown CDP: Located on Long Island, the commute to NYC (if that’s your job) is via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which is reliable but can be expensive. Local car commutes are much more manageable than in LA. You’re not dealing with daily gridlock on the scale of the 405 freeway.

Weather

• Los Angeles: The data says 54.0°F, but that’s an annual average. The reality is near-perfect Mediterranean weather: dry, sunny, and mild year-round. Summers are warm (highs in the 80s), winters are cool (lows in the 50s). The biggest weather issue is lack of water and wildfires.
• Levittown CDP: Also at 54.0°F on average, but with a major difference: seasons. You get a true four-season experience: vibrant autumns, snowy winters (which can be a pro or con), blooming springs, and humid summers. If you hate snow and cold, this is a dealbreaker. If you love distinct seasons, it’s a pro.

Crime & Safety

• Los Angeles: With a violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100k, LA is significantly more dangerous than the national average. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood; some areas are incredibly safe, while others are not. You have to be vigilant.
• Levittown CDP: The violent crime rate of 413.7 per 100k is lower than LA's and closer to the national average. Suburban areas like Levittown are generally considered safer, with lower rates of violent crime. It’s a place where kids can still ride bikes around the neighborhood.

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The Verdict: Who Wins Where?

After weighing the data, the culture, and the costs, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families:

Levittown CDP
It’s not even close. The combination of significantly lower housing costs, higher median income, safer streets, and strong community schools makes it a haven for families. You can own a home, have a yard, and feel secure without going bankrupt. LA can be a great place for kids, but the financial strain and urban challenges often outweigh the benefits.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros:

Los Angeles
This is a tougher call, but LA edges out for the sheer opportunity and energy. If you’re in entertainment, tech, or a creative field, LA is the epicenter. The social scene is unparalleled, and the networking potential is massive. However, this comes with a massive cost-of-living caveat. If you’re a young pro in a more traditional field (finance, healthcare, education), Levittown’s proximity to NYC offers world-class opportunities with a far better quality of life.

Winner for Retirees:

Levittown CDP
For retirees, financial security and community are paramount. Levittown’s lower cost of living means retirement savings and Social Security go further. The stable, quiet environment is ideal for a peaceful retirement. While LA’s perfect weather is tempting, the high taxes, cost of living, and urban stress make it a challenging place to retire on a fixed income.

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Final Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• World-class career opportunities in entertainment, tech, and creative fields.
• Near-perfect, sunny weather year-round.
• Incredible cultural diversity and food scene.
• Iconic beaches, mountains, and outdoor activities.

Cons:

• Extremely high cost of living (housing, taxes, daily expenses).
• Brutal traffic and long commutes.
• High violent crime rate (varies by neighborhood).
• Competitive, high-pressure social environment.

Levittown CDP

Pros:

• Significantly more affordable housing (buy or rent).
• Higher median income and better purchasing power.
• Safer community with lower crime rates.
• Strong suburban lifestyle with good schools and community feel.
• Proximity to New York City opportunities.

Cons:

• Less excitement and fewer "big city" amenities.
• Seasonal weather (cold, snowy winters).
• Commute to NYC can be expensive and time-consuming.
• Less diversity and cultural vibrancy compared to LA.

The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a dream that can only be found on the West Coast and you’re ready to pay the premium in both dollars and stress. Choose Levittown CDP if you want a stable, affordable home, a safe community, and a life built on balance rather than extremes.