📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Quincy and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Quincy vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Quincy | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $92,085 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $687,500 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $416 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,377 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 148.2 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 104.7 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 234.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 52.6% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 38 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Quincy: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Let’s cut the fluff. You’re staring down a life-altering decision. On one side, you have the neon-drenched, sun-soaked behemoth that is Los Angeles. A city that promises dreams, delivers traffic, and charges you a premium for the privilege.
On the other side, you have Quincy. A name that might make you think of a Massachusetts suburb, but the data points to a different beast entirely. A mid-sized powerhouse in the heart of the Midwest, offering a different kind of hustle.
This isn't just about geography; it's about a fundamental lifestyle choice. Are you buying into the global spotlight, or are you betting on a rising star with better bang for your buck? As your Relocation Expert and Data Journalist, I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the vibes, and I’m here to help you decide where to plant your flag.
The Vibe Check: Hollywood Dreams vs. Heartland Hustle
Los Angeles is a sprawling, sun-drenched mosaic of more than 3.8 million people. This is the city of "Hustle Culture". It’s fast-paced, image-conscious, and relentlessly ambitious. The vibe is a mix of beachy laid-back energy and high-stakes career climbing. You’re not just living; you’re performing, whether for a camera or a boardroom. It’s for the dreamers, the creatives, the industry titans, and those who thrive on the electric buzz of a global metropolis. If you need a New York energy with a California attitude, you’re in the right place.
Quincy, with its population of just over 101,000, is a different story. It’s the definition of a Midwestern Powerhouse. Think of it as a hidden gem on the Mississippi River in Illinois. The vibe here is grounded, community-focused, and surprisingly diverse for its size. It’s home to major medical centers and manufacturing giants, but it retains a small-town feel where neighbors know each other. The pace is slower, more deliberate. It’s for those who prioritize a sense of place, safety, and a strong community over the constant stimulation of a mega-city.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles is for the Career-Driven Climber, the Creative Soul, the Sun Worshipper, and the Foodie who wants every cuisine on the planet within a 10-mile radius.
- Quincy is for the Family Builder, the Midwest Traditionalist, the Budget-Conscious Professional, and the Outdoor Enthusiast who loves rivers, trails, and four distinct seasons.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Fortune?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk about Purchasing Power. A six-figure salary in LA can feel middle-class, while the same money in Quincy feels like you’ve hit the jackpot.
Salary Wars:
The median income in Quincy is $92,085, which is notably higher than Los Angeles’s median of $79,701. That’s the first shocker. Not only is the income higher, but the cost of living is significantly lower. This means your real purchasing power is massively amplified in Quincy.
Let’s break down the monthly expenses. The data below compares a baseline 1-bedroom apartment. Keep in mind that these are medians; the spread in LA is enormous.
| Expense Category | Los Angeles | Quincy | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $2,377 | Wait, what? Yes, you read that right. Quincy rent is slightly higher. This is a classic data quirk. It likely reflects a tight rental market in a growing city versus LA's vast, diverse housing stock. However, for homeownership, the story flips dramatically. |
| Utilities | ~$180 | ~$150 | LA's milder weather means lower heating/cooling bills. Quincy's Midwest climate can bring higher winter gas bills. |
| Groceries | ~13% above nat'l avg | ~3% below nat'l avg | This is a huge win for Quincy. Your grocery bill will be noticeably lighter. |
| Overall Cost of Living | ~50% higher than nat'l avg | ~1% lower than nat'l avg | This is the dealbreaker. Quincy is essentially at the national average for cost, while LA is a premium city. |
The Insight: Taxes & The Big Picture
California has a notoriously high state income tax, with a top marginal rate of 13.3% for high earners. Illinois, where Quincy sits, has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. That’s a staggering difference.
Let’s do the math on a $100,000 salary:
- In Los Angeles: After federal and high state taxes, your take-home pay is significantly reduced. You’re left with roughly $65,000 - $70,000 to spend on a housing market where the median home costs $1,002,500. Your purchasing power is strained.
- In Quincy: With a lower state tax, your take-home on $100k is closer to $75,000 - $78,000. You have more cash in your pocket, and the median home costs $687,500. Your money works harder for you here.
Verdict: If you value financial flexibility and hate feeling squeezed, Quincy is the clear winner for your wallet.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent in Two Different Worlds
Los Angeles: The Seller’s Kingdom
The LA housing market is a different universe. With a Housing Index of 173.0 (100 is the national average), it’s firmly in "unaffordable" territory for most.
- Buying: The median home price of $1,002,500 requires a massive down payment (often $200k+). It’s a brutal, competitive seller’s market. Bidding wars are common, and cash offers often win.
- Renting: Rent is high but offers flexibility. However, with a $2,006 median for a 1BR, you’re paying a premium for location. For that same price, you could rent a much larger space in Quincy.
Quincy: The Balanced Market
Quincy’s Housing Index of 148.2 is high relative to the national average but far more manageable than LA.
- Buying: A median home price of $687,500 is still steep, but it’s a more attainable goal. The market is more balanced, giving buyers a fighting chance without the constant frenzy of LA. You can get more square footage and land for your money.
- Renting: The slightly higher median rent ($2,377) suggests a tight rental market, possibly due to its growing job base. However, for families, buying is likely the smarter, more stable long-term play here.
Verdict: For affordability and attainable homeownership, Quincy wins. LA is a market for high-earners or those with significant capital.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life, Traffic, and Safety
This is where personal preference truly kicks in.
Traffic & Commute:
- Los Angeles: This is legendary. The average commute can be 30-45 minutes easily, but traffic jams can turn a 10-mile trip into a 90-minute ordeal. The cost of time and sanity is real. The data doesn't capture the daily grind, but trust me, it’s a major factor.
- Quincy: As a mid-sized city, traffic is minimal. A commute is typically under 20 minutes. The time you save daily is a massive quality-of-life win.
Weather:
- Los Angeles: The data says 54.0°F, but that's misleading. LA has a Mediterranean climate: mild, dry summers and cool, wet winters. It's famously pleasant year-round, though it lacks distinct seasons. You trade seasonal beauty for consistent comfort.
- Quincy: The data says 48.0°F, but this is the Midwest. You get four distinct seasons: beautiful springs, hot and humid summers, stunning autumns, and cold, snowy winters. If you hate snow and shoveling, this is a dealbreaker. If you love seasonal variety, it’s a paradise.
Crime & Safety:
The data is stark and undeniable.
- Los Angeles: Violent Crime: 732.5/100k. This is more than 3x higher than Quincy. While specific neighborhoods vary wildly (some are incredibly safe, others less so), the citywide statistic is a sobering reality. Safety is a constant, background concern in many parts of LA.
- Quincy: Violent Crime: 234.0/100k. This is closer to the national average and significantly lower than LA. The perception and reality of safety are much stronger here. It’s a place where you feel more comfortable walking at night.
Verdict: For safety and commute sanity, Quincy takes the crown. For weather consistency, Los Angeles wins.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?
After weighing the data, the culture, and the dealbreakers, here’s my expert breakdown.
Winner for Families: Quincy
The math is undeniable. Better schools (often tied to property taxes), higher median income, significantly lower violent crime, and a community-oriented vibe make Quincy the safer, more financially stable bet for raising kids. You can afford a larger home with a yard, and the slower pace is family-friendly.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Toss-Up (Depends on Your Goal)
- Choose Los Angeles if: Your career is in entertainment, tech, or a creative field that thrives on LA’s network. You need the energy, the anonymity, and the endless options for nightlife and culture. You’re willing to sacrifice space and savings for the experience.
- Choose Quincy if: You’re in healthcare, manufacturing, or education and want to accelerate your career in a less saturated market. You value financial freedom, want to buy a home early, and prefer a social life built on community rather than crowds.
Winner for Retirees: Quincy
For retirees, Quincy is the smarter choice. The cost of living allows retirement savings to stretch further. The lower crime rate provides peace of mind. While the winters are cold, the healthcare system is robust (it’s a medical hub). Los Angeles’s high costs, traffic, and urban stressors are less appealing for a fixed-income lifestyle.
Final Pros & Cons
Los Angeles: The Dream Factory
PROS:
- Unmatched Cultural & Culinary Scene: A global epicenter for food, art, and entertainment.
- Iconic Weather: Mild, sunny days year-round.
- Career Opportunities: Unparalleled access to top-tier industries.
- Beaches & Mountains: Unique geographic access to both ocean and peaks.
CONS:
- Extreme Cost of Living: Your dollar goes much, much further elsewhere.
- Brutal Traffic: Commutes can steal hours of your life daily.
- High Crime Rate: A statistically significant safety concern.
- Competitive & Stressful: The "hustle" can be exhausting.
Quincy: The Heartland Haven
PROS:
- Excellent Purchasing Power: High median income with a low cost of living.
- Safety & Community: Lower crime rates and a strong sense of place.
- Manageable Commutes: Minimal traffic and stress.
- Four Seasons: Enjoy distinct, beautiful seasonal changes.
CONS:
- Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer world-class museums, concerts, and direct flights.
- Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and cold are a reality for months.
- Less Diversity & Anonymity: It’s a smaller, tighter-knit community.
- Fewer High-Profile Career Paths: Unless you’re in key local industries.
The Bottom Line:
Los Angeles is a place you experience. It’s a chapter in your life story, often intense and transformative, but rarely financially sustainable long-term for the average earner.
Quincy is a place you build. It’s a foundation for a life—buying a home, raising a family, and saving for the future, all without the constant pressure of a mega-city.
Choose the dream, or choose the foundation. The data points to where your quality of life will be highest.