Cost of Living: New York vs Los Angeles (2026)
Compare cost of living: New York vs Los Angeles. Rent, groceries, transport, and salary equivalents. Los Angeles is 13% cheaper.
New York is approximately 13% more expensive than Los Angeles overall. Moving from New York to Los Angeles could save you $9600+/year in rent alone. This comparison breaks down every major expense category so you can decide where your money goes further.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Compare cost of living New York vs Los Angeles including housing, groceries, transportation, and taxes. This comparison calculator shows whether New York or Los Angeles is more affordable and how far your salary stretches in each city.
| Category | New York | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living Index | 187 | 166 | +13% |
| Median 1BR Rent | $3,400/mo | $2,600/mo | +$800 |
| Median Salary | $72,000 | $65,000 | +$7,000 |
| Groceries (weekly) | $115 | $108 | +$7 |
| Transportation (monthly) | $135 | $125 | +$10 |
Index base: 100 = national average. Use our Cost of Living Calculator for a personalized comparison.
Salary Needed to Maintain Your Lifestyle
If you earn $75,000 in New York, you would need approximately $66,578 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of living. Conversely, $75,000 in Los Angeles requires $84,488 in New York.
| Salary in New York | Equivalent in Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,385 |
| $75,000 | $66,578 |
| $100,000 | $88,770 |
| $125,000 | $110,963 |
| $150,000 | $133,155 |
Compare take-home pay: Take-Home Pay Calculator
Housing Deep Dive
Housing is the biggest cost difference. Median 1-bedroom rent is $3,400 in New York vs $2,600 in Los Angeles — $800/month or $9,600/year. If buying, use our Home Affordability Calculator to compare purchasing power in each city.