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Cost of Living: New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

6.2% Los Angeles, CA is cheaper overall
8.7% 8.7% cheaper housing
5.2% 5.2% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 8.7% cheaper
New York
195
Los Angeles
178
🛒 Groceries 5.2% cheaper
New York
116
Los Angeles
110
🚗 Transportation 3.8% cheaper
New York
130
Los Angeles
125
🏥 Healthcare 2.6% cheaper
New York
115
Los Angeles
112
⚡ Utilities 6.2% cheaper
New York
112
Los Angeles
105

Detailed Breakdown

Category New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Difference
Overall Cost Index1451366.2% less
Housing1951788.7% less
Median 1BR Rent$3,200$2,50021.9% less
Median Home Price$750,000$880,00017.3% more
Groceries1161105.2% less
Transportation1301253.8% less
Healthcare1151122.6% less
Utilities1121056.2% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type New York, NY Los Angeles, CA
State Income Tax10.90% (top)13.30% (top)
State Sales Tax4.00%7.25%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.40%0.71%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

New York, NY
$115,000
Median household income
Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Los Angeles costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Los Angeles to maintain your New York lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: New York (145) vs Los Angeles (136). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
New York5.1%
Los Angeles5.4%
Job Growth (YoY)
New York2.8%
Los Angeles2.5%
Top Industries
New YorkFinance, Media, Tech
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
New York41 min
Los Angeles33 min
Walk Score
New York89
Los Angeles67
Air Quality (AQI)
New York48
Los Angeles62
Avg Temperature
New York55°F
Los Angeles66°F
Population
New York8,258,035
Los Angeles3,898,747

Moving from New York to Los Angeles?

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Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in New York and Los Angeles → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Los Angeles →

Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?+
Los Angeles is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 8.7%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in New York vs Los Angeles?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $3,200/month in New York and $2,500/month in Los Angeles — a difference of about $700 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, New York or Los Angeles?+
New York has a state income tax of 10.90% (top) and sales tax of 4.00%. California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from New York to Los Angeles?+
Median household income in New York is $115,000 compared to $95,000 in Los Angeles. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in New York vs Los Angeles?+
The median home price in New York is $750,000 versus $880,000 in Los Angeles — a difference of $130,000. Property tax rates also differ: New York averages 1.40% while California averages 0.71%.