📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Portsmouth and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Portsmouth vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Portsmouth | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $57,109 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $275,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $186 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,287 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 97.5 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 96.7 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 208.4 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 30 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Portsmouth: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Choosing between Los Angeles and Portsmouth is like deciding between a high-octane, blockbuster movie and a beautifully crafted indie film. One is a global icon, a sprawling metropolis where dreams are made (and sometimes broken). The other is a historic, coastal gem offering a quieter, more grounded lifestyle. As your relocation expert, I've crunched the numbers, lived the vibes, and I'm here to give you the unfiltered truth. Let's settle this.
The Vibe Check: Hollywood Glam vs. Seaside Charm
Los Angeles is the city of eternal sunshine and relentless ambition. It's a fast-paced, high-energy metro where traffic is a sport and networking happens over $20 cold-pressed juices. The vibe is "hustle and bustle"—a mosaic of diverse cultures, world-class museums, and an industry (entertainment) that defines global pop culture. You're not just living in a city; you're living in a brand.
Portsmouth, on the other hand, is the quintessential New England seaside town. Think cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a palpable sense of community. It's "laid-back and local." The pace is slower, the air is cleaner, and the soundtrack is more likely to be seagulls than traffic. It’s a city that values its history and its tight-knit feel over global recognition.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles is for the ambitious, the creative, the extrovert who thrives on energy and opportunity. It's for those who want endless options for dining, nightlife, and career growth, and who don't mind the chaos.
- Portsmouth is for the pragmatic, the history buff, the nature lover, and the family-oriented professional who wants a high quality of life without the metropolitan madness. It's for those who value community and a shorter commute.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk cold, hard cash.
Cost of Living Table
| Expense Category | Los Angeles, CA | Portsmouth, NH | The Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $275,000 | LA is 265% more expensive. |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,287 | LA rent is 56% higher. |
| Housing Index | 173.0 | 97.5 | LA's housing market is 77% above the national average. |
| Median Income | $79,701 | $57,109 | LA has higher earning potential. |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 732.5 | 208.4 | LA's rate is 3.5x higher. |
| Weather (Avg. Annual Temp) | 54.0°F | 52.0°F | LA is slightly warmer. |
Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Paradox
Here's the brutal truth: Los Angeles offers higher salaries, but your money buys you a fraction of what it does in Portsmouth.
If you earn the median income of $79,701 in Los Angeles, you're making more on paper, but you're fighting an uphill battle. After California's high state income tax (up to 13.3% on high earners) and the astronomical housing costs, your purchasing power gets squeezed. That $100,000 salary in LA feels like $75,000 after taxes and housing. You're paying a premium for the privilege of the sun, the scene, and the opportunities.
If you earn the median income of $57,109 in Portsmouth, your money stretches much further. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax. That $100,000 salary here keeps more of its bite. With a median home price of $275,000, you're looking at a mortgage payment that's laughably low compared to LA. In Portsmouth, you can own a home, save, and live comfortably on a good salary. In LA, that same salary puts you in the rental market indefinitely for most people.
The Verdict on Dollar Power: Portsmouth wins. It’s not even close. While LA has higher nominal incomes, the cost of living—especially housing—creates a massive gap in real-world affordability and financial freedom.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Los Angeles is a seller's market of epic proportions. The median home price of $1,002,500 is a number that would be shocking in most of the country. Inventory is chronically low, competition is fierce, and bidding wars are the norm. You're often buying a small, older home at a premium. Renting is the default for most, but even that is a financial strain. You're renting for a lifestyle, not for space.
Portsmouth is also a competitive seller's market, but on a completely different planet. A median price of $275,000 is accessible for many professionals. While inventory is tight (it's a desirable coastal town), you can actually find a single-family home or a nice condo within your budget. The barrier to entry for homeownership is significantly lower. Renting is a viable option, but the dream of buying a home is tangible here.
The Verdict on Housing: Portsmouth wins for buyers. LA is a market for the wealthy or the perpetually renting. Portsmouth offers a realistic path to homeownership for the middle class.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute is 30+ minutes one way, but in reality, it's often longer. You will spend significant time in your car. Traffic is a daily stressor that dictates your schedule.
- Portsmouth: A dream by comparison. The city is walkable, and commutes are short. You can get across the city in under 15 minutes. The stress of the daily grind is replaced with a more manageable pace.
Winner: Portsmouth. The time you save on commuting is invaluable.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The reason people put up with the rest. Mediterranean climate with an average temp of 54°F. Low humidity, sunny days year-round. However, it has wildfire season and occasional heatwaves.
- Portsmouth: A true four-season climate. The average temp of 52°F masks the reality: cold, snowy winters (avg. 50+ inches of snow) and humid summers. It's beautiful, but it requires a wardrobe for all four seasons.
Winner: Los Angeles (if you hate snow). This is subjective, but LA's consistent sun is a huge draw. For those who love autumn and winter, Portsmouth wins.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: The data is stark. A violent crime rate of 732.5 per 100,000 is more than 3.5x the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, you must be aware of your surroundings. It's a city of contrasts.
- Portsmouth: Exceptionally safe. A violent crime rate of 208.4 per 100,000 is well below the national average. It's a community where people feel comfortable walking downtown at night.
Winner: Portsmouth. It's not even a contest. Safety is a primary factor for many, and Portsmouth delivers in a way LA cannot.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Move Where?
After breaking it all down, the choice becomes clear based on your life stage and priorities.
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Portsmouth | Safety, affordability, and community. You can own a home, be in a great school district, and your kids can play outside without constant worry. The lifestyle is healthier and more balanced. |
| Singles/Young Pros | Los Angeles | Opportunity and energy. If you're in entertainment, tech, or a creative field, the networking and career growth in LA are unparalleled. The social scene is endless. You'll live in a smaller space, but you'll be in the epicenter of action. |
| Retirees | Portsmouth | Financial security and peace. With no state income tax and a lower cost of living, your retirement savings go much further. The safe, walkable, and scenic environment is ideal for a relaxed, high-quality life. |
Final Pros & Cons
Los Angeles
- Pros:
- World-class career opportunities, especially in entertainment & tech.
- Unbeatable food scene and cultural diversity.
- Iconic beaches, mountains, and sun-drenched weather.
- A global city with endless things to do.
- Cons:
- Sticker shock on housing and cost of living.
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High crime rates in many areas.
- Extreme state income tax burden.
Portsmouth
- Pros:
- Phenomenal value for your money (no state income/sales tax).
- Safe, walkable, and historic.
- Stunning natural beauty (coastline, forests).
- Short commutes and a strong sense of community.
- Cons:
- Smaller job market (unless you're remote).
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Fewer options for nightlife and big-city amenities.
- Can feel isolated from major metropolitan hubs.
The Bottom Line: This isn't about which city is "better." It's about which city is better for you. Los Angeles is a high-stakes, high-reward adventure. Portsmouth is a stable, high-quality life. Choose your adventure wisely.