Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and East San Gabriel Valley, California, although both sought-after places to live and visit, offer vastly different experiences. Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, combines a rich historical feel with the vibrant influence of a major city. In contrast, East San Gabriel Valley, part of sunny Southern California, is known for its beautiful mountains and scenic landscapes in close proximity to the metropolitan hub of Los Angeles. In choosing between the two, one must consider factors like crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, and lifestyle elements including infrastructure, culture, and healthcare.
The crime rate in Philadelphia is higher than California's average, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. However, many neighborhoods in Philadelphia are safe and peaceful. East San Gabriel Valley, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate than the national average, making it a relatively safer area to live. Both places have comprehensive local police departments and active community initiatives aimed at crime prevention.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Philadelphia is lower than the national average, making it an affordable choice for many families and individuals. However, East San Gabriel Valley is one of the priciest areas in the nation, reflecting California's overall high cost of living, particularly for housing.
Income Tax
Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. California, on the other hand, has a progressive income tax that ranges from 1% to 13.3%, depending on the income bracket.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Philadelphia are relatively low for a large city, while property taxes in California are generally higher. However, certain protections and exemptions may help reduce this burden for homeowners.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Philadelphia is 8%, while California's sales tax ranges from 7.25% to 9.5%, depending on the locale. This means buying goods can be slightly more expensive in East San Gabriel Valley than in Philadelphia.
Income
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Estimated median household income
$52,899
$95,242
Estimated per capita income
$32,707
$34,474
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
105.4
150.2
If you make $50,000 in Philadelphia, you will have to make $71,252 in East San Gabriel Valley to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Philadelphia is situated between the Delaware River and Schuylkill River, offering a plethora of scenic riverfront vistas. Meanwhile, the East San Gabriel Valley boasts diverse geographical features, from mountains and forests to urban landscapes.
Geographical information
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Land area
135.1 sq. miles
212.6 sq. miles
Population density
11,668 people per sq. mile
4,478.5 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Philadelphia, PA East San Gabriel Valley, CA
Education
Both regions offer excellent educational opportunities. Philadelphia is home to several prestigious universities including the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University. East San Gabriel Valley also offers access to top-ranked schools and colleges including the California Institute of Technology and Azusa Pacific University.
The economy in Philadelphia is diverse, with sectors such as healthcare, education, and professional services leading the way. The unemployment rate is slightly above the national average. The East San Gabriel Valley benefits from being near Los Angeles, one of the world's largest economies. Key industries include entertainment, technology, fashion, and tourism.
Biggest Employers
Philadelphia's biggest employers include the University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, and Comcast. East San Gabriel Valley boasts employers like City of Hope National Medical Center, Azusa Pacific University, and the Mt. San Antonio College.
In Philadelphia (Philadelphia County), 85.2% voted for Democrats and 14.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In East San Gabriel Valley (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
2020
81.2%
71.0%
17.9%
26.9%
0.9%
2.1%
2016
82.3%
72.0%
15.3%
22.5%
2.4%
5.5%
2012
85.2%
69.7%
14.0%
27.8%
0.8%
2.4%
2008
83.2%
69.2%
16.4%
28.8%
0.4%
1.9%
2004
80.6%
63.3%
19.4%
35.7%
0.0%
1.0%
2000
80.4%
63.6%
18.1%
32.4%
1.5%
4.0%
1996
77.4%
59.3%
16.0%
31.0%
6.6%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
CATHOLIC CHURCH
24.8%
36.1%
8.8%
4.7%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
3.8%
0.5%
6.7%
3.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.6%
0.7%
3.1%
1.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.2%
1.0%
9.9%
9.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
3.8%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.2%
3.1%
1.9%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.0%
1.4%
0.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.7%
2.4%
Weather
Weather is a significant contrast between Philadelphia and East San Gabriel Valley. Philadelphia experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. The East San Gabriel Valley enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. This weather type appeals to those who enjoy sunny and warm weather year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Temperature - Average
54.8°F
62.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
69.9%
64.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
19.6%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
70.7%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
45.7 in
19.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
45.1 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.4%
28.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
59.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
18%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
63%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
45%
63%
Wind speed - Average
10 mph
3.7 mph
Average climate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Average climate in East San Gabriel Valley, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
2018
99
143
0.37
0.36
10.7
14.1
24.3
29.2
N/A
0.007
17.2
29.6
9.2
13.4
0.9
0.3
2017
105
150
0.32
0.35
11.0
14.8
25.3
30.5
0.004
0.007
22.3
32.7
8.9
12.6
1.0
0.3
2016
99
141
0.30
0.31
13.6
15.5
25.1
29.3
0.007
0.007
23.2
30.3
9.5
12.0
1.4
0.3
2015
110
145
0.34
0.30
15.8
15.2
22.6
30.4
0.007
0.007
23.9
30.0
10.5
14.6
1.8
0.2
2014
105
142
0.34
0.32
16.8
16.8
23.1
29.7
0.027
0.008
23.0
33.6
11.7
11.7
2.2
0.3
2013
105
147
0.27
0.33
16.7
17.0
22.5
27.7
0.029
0.007
31.0
31.5
10.5
11.5
1.5
0.4
2012
111
149
0.29
0.39
17.8
18.3
23.0
27.5
0.040
0.005
14.6
30.9
11.7
15.6
1.5
0.6
2011
113
149
0.28
0.40
19.9
18.6
24.3
26.7
0.039
0.008
16.9
30.3
9.8
17.3
1.9
0.5
2010
116
139
0.30
0.44
20.1
19.3
23.0
26.8
0.009
N/A
21.7
26.6
12.2
14.8
2.6
0.4
2009
95
156
0.32
0.40
18.9
21.0
19.7
28.0
0.011
0.010
18.0
26.0
11.9
16.5
2.9
0.6
2008
112
156
0.30
0.48
19.8
22.7
19.1
27.7
0.010
0.012
16.8
27.0
13.9
15.1
3.8
1.0
2007
128
135
0.42
0.52
21.6
25.3
23.3
24.8
0.019
0.014
17.5
N/A
12.3
N/A
4.2
1.3
2006
112
128
0.52
0.55
21.4
25.1
22.5
24.0
0.016
0.009
18.3
N/A
13.1
N/A
4.2
1.9
2005
108
127
0.58
0.59
24.4
25.7
20.8
22.8
0.018
0.014
19.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.0
1.9
2004
102
132
0.58
0.68
24.1
25.4
18.9
24.6
0.023
0.016
19.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.2
1.7
2003
103
137
0.62
0.80
23.8
29.9
19.7
24.7
0.034
0.021
19.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.4
1.4
2002
128
134
0.56
0.83
26.8
31.4
21.2
23.1
0.035
0.021
18.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.9
2.0
2001
119
141
0.63
1.00
27.9
31.8
20.0
21.4
0.014
0.029
20.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.6
2.1
2000
111
150
0.68
1.05
26.7
34.7
19.0
20.7
0.034
0.027
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
5.5
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
96.6%
18.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
34.4%
7,292.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
22%
57%
Transportation
Philadelphia has a robust public transportation system, including buses, subways, and regional rail services, making commuting easy. East San Gabriel Valley, like most of Southern California, relies heavily on personal vehicles, though public transit options are available in the form of buses and Metrolink commuter trains.
Transport
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Amtrak stations
2
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
347
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Bicycle
2%
0.6%
Bus
11.7%
2.9%
Carpooled
8.7%
17.1%
Car alone
60%
73.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.7%
0.6%
Streetcar
4.2%
0%
Subway
2.8%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.2%
0%
Walked
7.8%
2.2%
Average travel time to work
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Average
34.3 min
32.3 min
Real Estate
Philadelphia's real estate market offers a mix of historic homes and new developments. It's relatively affordable compared to other major US cities. In contrast, East San Gabriel's high-demand real estate mirrors California's overall expensive market with both traditional houses and upscale properties.
Neighborhoods
Philadelphia boasts diverse neighborhoods like the historic Society Hill, artsy Fishtown, and upscale Rittenhouse Square. East San Gabriel Valley is composed of several cities and communities, each with their distinct flair, like the upscale Glendora or the family-friendly West Covina.
Houses and residents
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
Houses
733,015
270,240
Average household size (people)
2.5
3.5
Houses occupied
660,921 (90.2%)
263,338 (97.4%)
Houses occupied by owners
348,935 (52.8%)
180,683 (68.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
311,986 (47.2%)
82,655 (31.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,301
$1,935
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$260,453
$1,138,428
Estimated median house or condo value
$220,700
$643,048
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.2
3.7
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
5.9
Renting percentage
45.9%
32.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
5,426.1
1,270.8
Household income disparities
49.5%
40.3%
Housing units without a mortgage
8,484 (4%)
26,635 (16.4%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
18,029 (8.5%)
515 (0.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
202,880 (96%)
136,243 (83.6%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
1,280 (0.6%)
11,429 (7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
22,966 (10.9%)
21,150 (13%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.7%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
29,270
25,753
State government workers
16,901
13,845
Unpaid family workers
570
1,494
Industries and Occupations
In Philadelphia, the top industries are healthcare and social assistance, education, and retail. Major occupations include office and administrative support, sales, and management. In East San Gabriel Valley, common industries include healthcare, education, manufacturing, and retail trade, with professions largely skewed towards management, sales, and healthcare roles.
Philadelphia offers top-tier healthcare, with prestigious institutions like the University of Pennsylvania Health System. East San Gabriel Valley residents have access to renowned healthcare providers like City of Hope National Medical Center and several other top-rated hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Infrastructure in Philadelphia is relatively mature, with a mix of historic buildings and modern structures. Meanwhile, East San Gabriel Valley benefits from the extensive infrastructural development of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Infrastructure
Type
Philadelphia
East San Gabriel Valley
TV stations
24
24
Culture and Food
Philadelphia's culture is steeped in history and offers an array of attractions including the Liberty Bell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Its food scene is famous for cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and scrapple. East San Gabriel Valley offers an eclectic mix of cultures, with a strong Asian influence reflecting in its food scene. Local attractions include many outdoor activities like hiking and wine tasting in some of California’s best vineyards.
Sports Teams
Philadelphia is home to major sports teams including the Phillies (MLB), Eagles (NFL), Flyers (NHL), and 76ers (NBA). East San Gabriel Valley is close to Los Angeles' sports scene, featuring teams like the Lakers and Clippers (NBA), Dodgers and Angels (MLB), and Kings and Ducks (NHL), among others.
Philadelphia, PA
East San Gabriel Valley, CA
Philadelphia, PA and 
East San Gabriel Valley, CA : 2,368.4 miles
