đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Camden and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Camden vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Camden | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $35,129 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.4% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $150,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $109 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $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) | 195.4 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 12.4% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 40 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You’re trying to choose between Los Angeles and Camden. This isn’t just a choice of cities; it’s a choice between two completely different universes. One is the global entertainment capital, a sprawling, sun-drenched metropolis where dreams are made (and budgets are broken). The other is a historic riverfront city in New Jersey, often unfairly defined by its past struggles, now quietly redefining itself.
I’m here to give you the unfiltered truth. We’re going to look at the data, the vibes, and the practical realities to help you decide where to plant your roots. Buckle up.
The Vibe Check: Dream Factory vs. Rustic Revival
Los Angeles is the definition of high-octane energy. It’s a city built on ambition, where the line between work and life is gloriously blurred. The vibe is a mix of Hollywood gloss, gritty urbanism, and relentless sunshine. It’s for the hustler, the artist, the dreamer, and anyone who thrives on constant stimulation and global connectivity. If you need to be where the action is—where the next big thing is happening—LA is your stage. It’s a city of distinct neighborhoods, from the beachy chill of Santa Monica to the hipster enclaves of Silver Lake.
Camden, on the other hand, is an underdog. It’s a city with a soul, deeply rooted in American history (it’s where the first Duck was made, for crying out loud). The vibe here is grittier, more authentic, and undeniably resilient. It’s a city in the midst of a quiet renaissance, with a burgeoning arts scene, waterfront parks, and a tight-knit community feel. It’s for the person who values history, affordability, and a slower pace of life. You’re not moving to Camden to rub shoulders with celebrities; you’re moving there to find a home with character and a price tag that doesn’t induce panic attacks.
Who is it for?
- Los Angeles: The career-driven professional, the creative, the foodie, the sun-worshipper. Someone who values endless options and is willing to pay a premium for them.
- Camden: The budget-conscious buyer, the history buff, the artist seeking inspiration in authenticity, the commuter who values proximity to Philadelphia without the Philly price tag.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power.
The “sticker shock” in Los Angeles is real. Earning the median income of $79,701 feels vastly different than earning $35,129 in Camden. But it’s not just about the number on your paycheck; it’s about what that number can buy.
The Cost of Living Breakdown
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Camden, NJ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $79,701 | $35,129 | LA |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,451 | Camden (+38% more affordable) |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above US avg) | 117.8 (17.8% above US avg) | Camden |
| Groceries | ~25% higher than US avg | ~8% higher than US avg | Camden |
| Utilities | ~15% lower than US avg | ~10% higher than US avg | LA |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s imagine you earn $100,000. In Los Angeles, this is a solid professional salary, but you’re squarely middle-class. After California’s high state income tax (up to 12.3%), you’re taking home roughly $72,000-$75,000 annually. Your rent alone could be $24,000+ of that, leaving you with about $50,000 for everything else. It’s doable, but it’s tight, and saving for a down payment on a median $1M home feels like climbing Everest in flip-flops.
In Camden, that same $100,000 makes you a high earner. New Jersey has a progressive income tax, but it’s generally lower than California’s for this bracket (roughly 6-8%). You’d take home closer to $75,000-$78,000. Your rent would be about $17,400, leaving you with nearly $60,000 for other expenses and savings. The kicker? The median home price is $150,000. A $100k salary in Camden offers a vastly higher quality of life and a realistic path to homeownership. Purchasing power is the clear champion here.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
Los Angeles: The Fortress Market
- Buy: The median home price of $1,002,500 is a monumental barrier to entry. With a 20% down payment ($200k+), you’re looking at a monthly mortgage of around $5,000+. This is a seller’s market, fiercely competitive, with all-cash offers and bidding wars common. It’s a wealth-building tool if you’re already in, but a near-impossible dream for new buyers.
- Rent: The rental market is equally brutal. $2,006 for a 1BR is the median; desirable neighborhoods can be $2,500+. Availability is tight, and landlords hold significant leverage.
Camden: The Entry-Level Market
- Buy: With a median price of $150,000, homeownership is within reach for many. A $30k down payment gets you in the door, with a mortgage of roughly $800-$900/month. This is a buyer’s market in many parts, with more inventory and room to negotiate. It’s a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers.
- Rent: At $1,451, renting is affordable, especially compared to nearby Philadelphia. You get more space for your money, and while the market is stable, it doesn’t have the cutthroat competition of LA.
Verdict: If you want to own a home and build equity without a trust fund, Camden wins in a landslide. If you’re a renter with a high income, LA offers more variety but at a steep cost.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic/Commute
- Los Angeles: Legendary. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45-60 minutes. The 405 and 10 freeways are daily stress tests. Public transit (Metro) exists but is limited for a city of this size. Car ownership is non-negotiable, adding $500+/month for car payment, insurance, and gas.
- Camden: Much more manageable. While traffic exists, it’s on a smaller scale. Most residents drive. The big plus is proximity to Philadelphia—you can be in Center City Philly in 10-15 minutes via car or the PATCO Speedline, a clean and efficient commuter rail. Access to a major city’s job market without the housing cost is a huge perk.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The gold standard. Averaging 54°F is misleading; it’s a Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and warm (highs 80-90°F), winters are mild and rainy. You get 300+ sunny days a year. The weather is a primary reason people move here.
- Camden: Classic Mid-Atlantic. Averaging 55°F doesn’t tell the story. You get four distinct seasons: hot, humid summers (can hit 90°F+ with high humidity), beautiful falls, chilly winters with occasional snow, and rainy springs. It’s less predictable but offers seasonal variety.
Crime & Safety
This is a critical, honest conversation. Crime data is complex, and neighborhoods vary wildly.
| City | Violent Crime (per 100k) | Context & Reality |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 732.5 | Higher than the national average. Crime is concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Many areas (e.g., Westside, parts of the Valley) are very safe. Vigilance and neighborhood research are essential. |
| Camden | 195.4 | Lower than LA’s rate, but context is key. Camden has faced severe economic challenges, and while crime rates have dropped significantly from their peak, certain areas can be rough. It’s a city of stark contrasts. |
Safety Verdict: Neither city is a utopia. Los Angeles has a higher statistical rate, but its vastness means safe pockets are plentiful. Camden’s lower number is promising, but its smaller size means you must be extremely diligent about choosing your specific street and block. For overall safety, neither has a clear, uncomplicated win—it’s all about hyper-local research.
The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?
🏆 Winner for Families: CAMDEN
Why? The housing market is the dealmaker. Buying a safe, comfortable home for $150k-$200k is a reality that allows for a stable, financially secure upbringing. Proximity to Philadelphia provides access to jobs, culture, and top-tier schools without the LA price tag. The lower overall cost of living reduces financial stress, a huge factor for parents.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: LOS ANGELES
Why? If your career is in entertainment, tech, or creative industries, LA is the epicenter. The networking opportunities, social scene, and sheer scale of events are unmatched. While expensive, the energy and access to a global talent pool can accelerate a career. For the right ambitious professional, the cost is an investment.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: CAMDEN
Why? Stretching a fixed income is easier where your money goes further. The lower cost of housing, utilities, and everyday expenses means a retirement savings can last longer. The proximity to Philadelphia offers cultural and medical amenities without the hustle. For a quieter, more affordable retirement with a dose of history and charm, Camden is a smart choice.
Final Pros & Cons
LOS ANGELES
- Pros: World-class weather, unmatched career opportunities in creative fields, incredible food and culture, diverse neighborhoods, never a dull moment.
- Cons: Astronomical cost of living, brutal traffic, competitive and stressful lifestyle, high taxes, housing is a distant dream for most.
CAMDEN
- Pros: Extremely affordable housing, lower overall cost of living, proximity to Philadelphia, rich history, growing arts scene, manageable commute.
- Cons: Economic challenges persist, higher property taxes (a NJ staple), fewer high-paying local jobs (commuting often required), weather can be harsh, requires careful neighborhood vetting for safety.
The Bottom Line: This isn’t about which city is "better." It’s about what you value most. Choose Los Angeles if you’re betting on your career and crave a high-energy, sunny life. Choose Camden if you’re betting on your finances and want to own a home and build a life without the constant financial strain. The data doesn’t lie—your dollar goes infinitely further in Camden, but your dreams might find a bigger spotlight in LA. Choose wisely.
Planning a Move?
Use our AI-powered calculator to estimate your expenses from Camden to Los Angeles.