đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Peoria and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Peoria vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Peoria | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $97,296 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $516,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $256 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,424 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 124.3 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 98.4 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 189.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 34.4% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 42 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Peoria: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Let's be real: choosing between Los Angeles and Peoria is like choosing between a shot of espresso and a glass of sweet tea. One is a high-octane, global powerhouse that’s equal parts dream factory and nightmare traffic jam. The other is a steady, affordable Midwestern anchor that’s more about community than clout.
You’re not just picking a zip code; you’re picking a lifestyle. So, let's cut through the noise. As your Relocation Expert & Data Journalist, I'm here to give you the unvarnished truth, backed by hard numbers and real-world insights. Grab your coffee, and let’s see which city wins your heart—and your wallet.
The Vibe Check: Glitz vs. Grit (The Good Kind)
Los Angeles is the city that never stops selling you a dream. It’s sprawling, sun-drenched, and relentlessly ambitious. The vibe is a cocktail of Hollywood glamour, tech hustle, and world-class cultural scenes. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants next to taco trucks, hiking trails that overlook the ocean, and a population that’s as diverse as the cuisine. It’s for the individual who thrives on energy, opportunity, and the constant hum of possibility. If you’re chasing a creative career, love the anonymity of a big city, and need access to the best of everything (food, art, nightlife), LA is your playground.
Peoria, on the other hand, is the heart of the Midwest, quite literally. Known as the "River City," it’s a place where people know their neighbors, and the pace is refreshingly human. The vibe is grounded, practical, and family-oriented. It’s the kind of city where you can be home from work in 15 minutes, spend your weekend at a minor league baseball game or on the Illinois River, and not worry about finding parking. It’s for the person who values stability, community, and a life unburdened by the relentless pressure to "make it." If you want a solid career, a comfortable home, and a low-stress environment, Peoria is your sanctuary.
Who is it for?
- LA: The ambitious hustler, the creative, the foodie, the sun-worshipper who doesn't mind paying a premium for the lifestyle.
- Peoria: The practical planner, the family-builder, the nature lover, and anyone seeking a high quality of life without the high cost of living.
The Dollar Power: Your Wallet’s Best Friend (or Worst Enemy)
This is where the rubber meets the road. Your salary might look similar in both cities, but your purchasing power—what that money actually buys you—is a different story entirely.
Let's break down the day-to-day expenses.
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | Peoria | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $79,701 | $97,296 | Peoria's median income is 22% higher. That's a huge head start. |
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $516,000 | LA is nearly 2x more expensive. This is the single biggest financial divider. |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,424 | LA rent is 41% steeper. You'll pay a premium for that California sun. |
| Housing Index | 173.0 | 124.3 | A higher index means higher costs relative to the national average. LA is 39% more expensive just for housing. |
Salary Wars & The Tax Twist:
Here’s the kicker. If you earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, after California’s steep state income tax (which can be as high as 13.3%), your take-home pay shrinks significantly. In Peoria, Illinois, you’d pay a flat state income tax of 4.95%. That’s a massive difference.
Let’s do the math. On a $100,000 salary:
- In LA (CA): Your take-home after federal and state taxes is roughly $70,000 - $72,000.
- In Peoria (IL): Your take-home is closer to $75,000 - $77,000.
So, not only is Peoria’s median income higher, but your paycheck stretches much further. The "sticker shock" in LA is real. A $1,000 grocery bill in LA might get you the same haul as a $700 bill in Peoria. Utilities, gas, and even a simple meal out all carry a California premium.
Verdict: For pure purchasing power, Peoria is the undisputed champion. Your money simply works harder and goes further in Illinois.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Owning
This category is a tale of two extremes.
Los Angeles: The Seller’s Market on Steroids.
Buying a home in LA is a monumental challenge for most. With a median home price over $1 million, the down payment alone is a barrier for many. The market is fiercely competitive, often involving all-cash offers and bidding wars. Renting is the default for a huge portion of the population, but even that is a struggle. You’re paying $2,000+ for a modest one-bedroom, and availability can be tight. The trade-off? Appreciation. If you can get in, your investment is likely to grow significantly over time, but the entry cost is astronomical.
Peoria: The Buyer’s Market.
Peoria is a breath of fresh air for aspiring homeowners. With a median home price of $516,000, you can get a spacious single-family home, often with a yard, for less than half the price of an LA starter home. The market is more stable, with less volatility and more inventory. It’s a true buyer’s market, meaning you have more negotiating power. Renting is also affordable, making it easier to save for that down payment. The appreciation rate won’t match LA’s, but the stability and affordability are unparalleled.
Verdict: If your goal is to own a home, Peoria is the clear winner. If you’re content with renting and banking on long-term investment growth, LA offers that potential (at a steep cost).
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference reigns supreme.
Traffic & Commute:
- Los Angeles: Legendary for a reason. The average commute can be 30-45 minutes one way, but on a bad day, it’s a nightmare. Traffic is a daily stressor that steals hours of your life. Car dependency is non-negotiable.
- Peoria: A dream in comparison. The average commute is around 20 minutes. Traffic jams are rare, and you can often get across town in under 15 minutes. The stress of the daily grind is significantly lower.
Weather:
- Los Angeles: The "Mediterranean" climate is a major draw. Winters are mild (avg 54°F), summers are warm and dry. You get near-perfect weather year-round, but it comes with a caveat: smog and wildfire season. The air quality can be poor, and the threat of wildfires is real.
- Peoria: True four seasons. Winters are cold with snow (avg 55°F is misleading; that’s the annual average, but winter temps regularly drop below freezing). Summers are hot and humid. If you love autumn foliage and cozy winters, it’s great. If you hate shoveling snow and muggy summers, it’s a dealbreaker.
Crime & Safety:
- Los Angeles: Violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100k. This is significantly above the national average. While many neighborhoods are very safe, crime is a more prevalent concern city-wide.
- Peoria: Violent crime rate is 189.0 per 100k. This is much closer to, and in some cases below, the national average. Peoria is generally considered a much safer city, with lower rates of violent crime.
Verdict: For safety and commute, Peoria wins. For weather, it depends on your preference—LA for consistent mildness, Peoria for distinct seasons (with harsh winters).
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
This isn’t about one city being "better"—it’s about which city is better for you.
🏆 Winner for Families: Peoria
With a $97k median income, $516k median home price, and a violent crime rate less than a quarter of LA's, Peoria offers a stable, affordable, and safe environment to raise a family. The lower stress and stronger community ties are invaluable.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles
If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a niche creative field, LA’s opportunities are unmatched. The sheer density of people, ideas, and experiences is a powerful magnet. You trade affordability for access and excitement.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Peoria
For those on a fixed income, Peoria’s low cost of living, safe environment, and slower pace are ideal. Your retirement savings will last much longer, and the quality of life is high without the financial strain.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Los Angeles: The High-Stakes Gamble
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities in creative & tech industries.
- World-class dining, culture, and entertainment.
- Iconic beaches and outdoor activities (hiking, surfing).
- Mild, sunny weather year-round.
- Incredible ethnic and cultural diversity.
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living (housing, taxes, daily expenses).
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High crime rates city-wide.
- Air quality issues and wildfire risk.
- Intense competition in housing and job markets.
Peoria: The Steady Bet
Pros:
- Excellent affordability and high purchasing power.
- Strong job market in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
- Safe, family-friendly communities.
- Short commutes and easy access to amenities.
- Four distinct seasons and beautiful riverfront/nature.
Cons:
- Limited nightlife and cultural scene compared to a major metro.
- Harsh, snowy winters and humid summers.
- Fewer high-profile career opportunities in certain fields.
- Less diversity and anonymity.
- Can feel "slow" or isolated if you crave constant stimulation.
The Bottom Line: If you’re chasing a dream and budget is secondary, Los Angeles is the city of dreams. If you’re building a life and budget is primary, Peoria is the city of sense. Choose wisely.