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New York vs Los Angeles

Los Angeles runs about 27% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 1,723 USD a month.

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
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
New York monthly
$6,382
Index 100 (NYC = 100)
Los Angeles monthly
$4,659
Index 73 (NYC = 100)
Difference
-27%
Los Angeles relative to New York
Rent gap
$1,569
New York costs more for a central 1-bed
By category

Where the gap actually is

New YorkLos Angeles
  • Housing
    Housing: New York $4,076, Los Angeles $2,507. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Food
    Food: New York $910, Los Angeles $849. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Transport
    Transport: New York $211, Los Angeles $186. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Utilities
    Utilities: New York $232, Los Angeles $239. Cheaper in New York.
  • Healthcare
    Healthcare: New York $559, Los Angeles $537. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle: New York $223, Los Angeles $182. Cheaper in Los Angeles.
  • Other
    Other: New York $171, Los Angeles $159. 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

MetricNew YorkLos Angeles
Cost
Total monthly cost6,382 USD4,659 USD✓
Cost index (New York = 100)10073✓
Housing4,076 USD2,507 USD✓
Utilities232 USD✓239 USD
Food910 USD849 USD✓
Transport211 USD186 USD✓
Healthcare559 USD537 USD✓
Lifestyle223 USD182 USD✓
Income & tax
Take-home on 100,000 USD/yr5,887 USD5,978 USD✓
Effective tax + social rate29.4%28.3%✓
Left over each month-495 USD1,319 USD✓
Average local net salary5,400 USD✓4,600 USD
Housing
1-bed rent, city centre4,076 USD2,507 USD✓
3-bed rent, city centre7,873 USD4,714 USD✓
Buy price per m², centre16,000 USD9,500 USD✓
Quality of life
Safety58/100✓48/100
Healthcare82/10082/100
Air quality62/100✓45/100
Public transport88/100✓48/100
Walkability92/100✓55/100
English proficiency100/100100/100
Nightlife96/100✓88/100
Family friendliness62/10062/100
Median broadband220 Mbps230 Mbps✓
Climate
Average temperature13°C✓18°C
Summer high29°C29°C
Winter low-3°C9°C✓
Sunshine hours per year2,535 h3,250 h✓
Annual rainfall1200 mm380 mm✓
Practicalities
Remote-work visaNoNo
Beach access45 min30 min✓
CurrencyUSDUSD
Time zoneAmerica/New_YorkAmerica/Los_Angeles

Los Angeles runs about 27% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 1,723 USD a month.

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Go deeper

Cost of living in New YorkCost of living in Los AngelesConvert a salary between themFlip the comparison
New York vs San FranciscoNew York vs MiamiNew York vs Chicago
FAQ

Frequently asked

Is New York or Los Angeles cheaper?

Los Angeles runs about 27% cheaper than New York for this household, a difference of 1,723 USD a month.

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

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

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

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