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Los Angeles vs New York

Los Angeles runs about 37% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 1,723 USD a month.

The Crypto.com arena in Los Angeles, as seen from a DJI Mavic 3.
Los Angeles
$4,659/month · United States
InvadingInvader · CC BY-SA 4.0
The New York Stock Exchange in 2022, as seen from a vantage point inside the main trading hall.
New York
$6,382/month · United States
Tobias Deml · CC BY-SA 4.0
Los Angeles monthly
$4,659
Index 73 (NYC = 100)
New York monthly
$6,382
Index 100 (NYC = 100)
Difference
+37%
New York relative to Los Angeles
Rent gap
$1,569
New York costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

Los AngelesNew York
  • Housing
    Housing: Los Angeles $2,507, New York $4,076. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Food
    Food: Los Angeles $849, New York $910. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Transport
    Transport: Los Angeles $186, New York $211. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: Los Angeles $239, New York $232. Cheaper in New York.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: Los Angeles $537, New York $559. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: Los Angeles $182, New York $223. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Other
    Other: Los Angeles $159, New York $171. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
Each row is one category priced in both cities for the same household. The bar is the gap; exact figures are in the table below.
Interactive — adjust the household

Full comparison

MetricLos AngelesNew York
Cost
Total monthly cost4,659 USD✓6,382 USD
Cost index (New York = 100)73✓100
Housing2,507 USD✓4,076 USD
Utilities239 USD232 USD✓
Food849 USD✓910 USD
Transport186 USD✓211 USD
Healthcare537 USD✓559 USD
Lifestyle182 USD✓223 USD
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,978 USD✓5,887 USD
Effective tax + social rate28.3%✓29.4%
Left over each month1,319 USD✓-495 USD
Average local net salary4,600 USD5,400 USD✓
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre2,507 USD✓4,076 USD
3-bed rent, city centre4,714 USD✓7,873 USD
Buy price per m², centre9,500 USD✓16,000 USD
Quality of life
Safety48/10058/100✓
Healthcare82/10082/100
Air quality45/10062/100✓
Public transport48/10088/100✓
Walkability55/10092/100✓
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife88/10096/100✓
Family friendliness62/10062/100
Median broadband230 Mbps✓220 Mbps
Climate
Average temperature18°C13°C✓
Summer high29°C29°C
Winter low9°C✓-3°C
Sunshine hours per year3,250 h✓2,535 h
Annual rainfall380 mm✓1200 mm
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access30 min✓45 min
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/Los_AngelesAmerica/New_York

Los Angeles runs about 37% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 1,723 USD a month.

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Cost of living in Los AngelesCost of living in New YorkConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
Los Angeles vs MiamiLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs Seattle
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is Los Angeles or New York cheaper?

Los Angeles runs about 37% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 1,723 USD a month.

What salary do you need in New York compared with Los Angeles?

On a $100,000 gross salary you would take home $5,978 a month in Los Angeles and $5,887 in New York, before local costs. Use the salary converter for an exact equivalent.

Which has better quality of life, Los Angeles or New York?

Los Angeles scores 48/100 on safety and 82/100 on healthcare; New York scores 58 and 82. Los Angeles averages 18°C against 13°C in New York.