Data Scientist Salary in Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles
Detailed relocation breakdown comparing gross salaries, cost-of-living differences, housing expenses, state taxes, and true purchasing power for Data Scientists moving between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Los Angeles, California.
Moving from Philadelphia to Los Angeles
To maintain your current standard of living in Philadelphia ($149,000), you will need a salary of at least $215,500 in Los Angeles due to higher local living costs.
- Housing: Housing is 96% more expensive in Los Angeles (median 1-bed: $2,550/mo vs $1,650/mo in Philadelphia).
- Taxes: Los Angeles has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 6.8% in Philadelphia), reducing your net take-home pay.
- Purchasing Power: Earning the median $168,500 in Los Angeles provides an estimated 24.5% lower standard of living after tax and local expenses compared to $149,000 in Philadelphia.
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Median for Data Scientist in Philadelphia: $149,000
+44.6% ($66,500 difference) to match living standards.
⚠ Market pay is $47,000 below break-even
Data Scientist Salary Percentiles: Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles
Data sourced and scaled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS reports and regional wage indices.
| Percentile Level | Philadelphia Base | Los Angeles Base | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $92,000 | $103,500 | +13% |
| 25th Percentile (Junior / Mid) | $119,000 | $134,000 | +13% |
| 50th Percentile (Median Benchmark) | $149,000 | $168,500 | +13.1% |
| 75th Percentile (Senior Level) | $189,000 | $213,500 | +13% |
| 90th Percentile (Staff / Lead) | $235,500 | $266,000 | +13% |
Cost of Living Breakdown by Expense Category
Standardized index baseline: 100 = U.S. National Average.
Estimated Tax & Take-Home Pay Analysis
Philadelphia (PA)State Tax: 6.8%
Los Angeles (CA)State Tax: 9.3%
* Note: Tax estimations are based on standard single filer brackets and effective statutory rates. Actual tax obligations depend on filing status, deductions, 401(k) contributions, and local municipal withholdings.
Planning a Move to Los Angeles?
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Find Apartments in Los Angeles
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Keep Coastal Pay Anywhere
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City Profiles & Living Factors
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
A major life sciences and healthcare innovation hub positioned strategically between NYC and Washington DC with attractive housing values.
Los Angeles, California
A global creative and tech hub (Silicon Beach) with premium salaries across digital entertainment, aerospace, and consumer tech.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist (Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles)
How much does a Data Scientist make in Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles?
In Philadelphia, the median salary for a Data Scientist is $149,000 per year (range: $119,000 - $189,000). In Los Angeles, the median salary is $168,500 per year (range: $134,000 - $213,500), representing a +13.1% compensation difference.
What salary in Los Angeles equals a $149,000 salary in Philadelphia?
To maintain the exact same standard of living as a $149,000 salary in Philadelphia, you would need to earn approximately $215,500 in Los Angeles, due to the 44.6% higher cost of living in Los Angeles.
Is it more expensive to live in Philadelphia or Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is more expensive overall. Los Angeles has a Cost of Living Index of 162 compared to 112 for Philadelphia. Housing is 96% more expensive in Los Angeles (median 1-bed: $2,550/mo vs $1,650/mo in Philadelphia).
How do state income taxes compare between Philadelphia (PA) and Los Angeles (CA)?
Los Angeles has a higher state/local tax rate (9.3% vs 6.8% in Philadelphia), reducing your net take-home pay. Philadelphia has an estimated state/local income tax rate of 6.8%, while Los Angeles has an estimated rate of 9.3%.
What are average rental costs in Philadelphia vs. Los Angeles?
The median 1-bedroom apartment rent in Philadelphia is approximately $1,650/month, compared to $2,550/month in Los Angeles.
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