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Side-by-side comparison

Los Angeles vs New York City

Cost of living comparison for Los Angeles, California and New York City, New York.

Bottom line

New York City is approximately 29% more expensive than Los Angeles. A single person needs about $5,319/mo in New York City versus $4,135/mo in Los Angeles.

Rent in Los Angeles vs New York City

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Los Angeles · Studio
$1,856
New York City · Studio
$2,406
New York City is $550 (30%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · 1 bedroom
$2,081
New York City · 1 bedroom
$2,511
New York City is $430 (21%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · 2 bedroom
$2,625
New York City · 2 bedroom
$2,780
New York City is $155 (6%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · 3 bedroom
$3,335
New York City · 3 bedroom
$3,465
New York City is $130 (4%) higher than Los Angeles

Income & earnings in Los Angeles vs New York City

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Los Angeles · Household income
$87,760
New York City · Household income
$104,553
New York City is $16,793 (19%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Individual earnings
$43,477
New York City · Individual earnings
$75,255
New York City is $31,778 (73%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Per capita
$44,319
New York City · Per capita
$94,922
New York City is $50,603 (114%) higher than Los Angeles

Home values in Los Angeles vs New York City

Average values and property tax.

Los Angeles · Average home value
$783,300
New York City · Average home value
$1,108,900
New York City is $325,600 (42%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Annual property tax
$5,438
New York City · Annual property tax
$10,001
New York City is $4,563 (84%) higher than Los Angeles

Energy in Los Angeles vs New York City

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Los Angeles · Monthly electricity
$167
New York City · Monthly electricity
$140
Los Angeles is $27 (19%) higher than New York City
Los Angeles · Monthly gas
$50
New York City · Monthly gas
$68
New York City is $18 (36%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Annual total
$2,604
New York City · Annual total
$2,496
Los Angeles is $108 (4%) higher than New York City

Healthcare in Los Angeles vs New York City

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Los Angeles · Individual premium
$480
New York City · Individual premium
$480
Los Angeles and New York City are about the same
Los Angeles · Family premium
$1,350
New York City · Family premium
$1,350
Los Angeles and New York City are about the same
Los Angeles · Uninsured rate
8.7%
New York City · Uninsured rate
4.3%
Los Angeles is 4.4% (102%) higher than New York City

Taxes in Los Angeles vs New York City

State income and sales tax.

Los Angeles · State income tax
13.3%
New York City · State income tax
10.9%
Los Angeles is 2.4% (22%) higher than New York City
Los Angeles · State sales tax
7.3%
New York City · State sales tax
4.0%
Los Angeles is 3.3% (81%) higher than New York City
Los Angeles · Combined sales tax
8.8%
New York City · Combined sales tax
8.5%
Los Angeles is 0.3% (4%) higher than New York City

Transportation in Los Angeles vs New York City

Commute time and travel modes.

Los Angeles · Average commute
30.8 min
New York City · Average commute
31.4 min
New York City is 0.6 min (2%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Drive alone
66.4%
New York City · Drive alone
5.7%
Los Angeles is 60.7% (1065%) higher than New York City
Los Angeles · Public transit
4.2%
New York City · Public transit
45.5%
New York City is 41.3% (983%) higher than Los Angeles

Monthly cost estimates in Los Angeles vs New York City

All categories combined.

Los Angeles · Single person
$4,135
New York City · Single person
$5,319
New York City is $1,184 (29%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Couple
$6,334
New York City · Couple
$6,684
New York City is $350 (6%) higher than Los Angeles
Los Angeles · Family
$9,251
New York City · Family
$9,554
New York City is $303 (3%) higher than Los Angeles

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Los Angeles and New York City.

Is Los Angeles or New York City more expensive?

New York City is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $4,135/mo in Los Angeles, California and $5,319/mo in New York City, New York, a difference of about 29%.

What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and New York City?

Average one-bedroom rent in Los Angeles, California is $2,081/mo versus $2,511/mo in New York City, New York. New York City is approximately $430 (21%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Los Angeles or New York City?

New York City has the higher average household income. Los Angeles households earn approximately $87,760 per year; New York City households earn approximately $104,553 per year.

More on Los Angeles and New York City

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.