The Verdict
Living in Los Angeles is 15% cheaper than New York City.
If you move from Los Angeles to New York City, you will pay more for housing and more for daily groceries. To maintain the same standard of life as a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles, you would need to earn about $88,235 in New York City.
of 6 categories
categories
of 6 categories
Category Breakdown
Compare costs across 6 key categories
City Profiles
What makes each city unique
Why people love Los Angeles:
Why people love New York City:
Real Monthly Costs
Estimated costs based on NYC baseline prices
| Expense | Los Angeles | New York City | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city center) | $2,975 | $3,500 | +$525 |
| Monthly groceries | $428 | $450 | +$22 |
| Dining out (10 meals) | $315 | $350 | +$35 |
| Public transport pass | $137 | $130 | $-7 |
| Utilities (electric, heating, water) | $180 | $200 | +$20 |
| Total Monthly | $4,034 | $4,630 | +$596 |
* Estimates based on NYC = 100 index. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and location within city.
Who Should Choose Which City?
Recommendations based on your priorities
- Want lower overall living costs (15% cheaper)
- Are looking for more affordable housing
- Have children (lower childcare costs)
- Prioritize safety (score: 72/100)
- Want higher earning potential ($5,500/mo avg)
Quality of Life & Safety
Beyond just costs - what matters for daily life
Quality of Life Score
Quality of Life Score
Safety Score
Safety Score
Salary Equivalence
How much you'd need in New York City to match a Los Angeles salary
| Salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in New York City | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $58,824 | $8,824 more |
| $75,000 | $88,235 | $13,235 more |
| $100,000 | $117,647 | $17,647 more |
| $125,000 | $147,059 | $22,059 more |
| $150,000 | $176,471 | $26,471 more |
| $200,000 | $235,294 | $35,294 more |
Los Angeles vs New York City: Summary
The overall cost of living differs by 15%. Los Angeles is the more affordable option.
Rent: Los Angeles has a rent index of 85, while New York City has 100.
Average Salaries: Los Angeles: $4,800/month vs New York City: $5,500/month (both in USD).
Out of 6 categories, Los Angeles wins 5, while New York City wins 1.
Compare more cities or calculate your US take-home pay.