Is New York, NY cheaper than Los Angeles, CA?

Based on cost of living data, New York, NY is 3.1% cheaper than Los Angeles, CA. This translates to saving $229 per month.

What salary do I need in New York, NY to live like I do in Los Angeles, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Los Angeles, CA, you'd need approximately $147,247.548 in New York, NY to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Los Angeles, CA and New York, NY?

Housing in New York, NY is 1.3% cheaper than in Los Angeles, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,590/month in New York, NY compared to $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY?

Moving from Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY could save you approximately $229 per month, or $2752 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Los Angeles, CA

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New York, NY

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Los Angeles, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $229/month moving to New York, NY

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.2K in New York, NY

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 3.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$229

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$885K

New York, NY

Population:8337K

Cost Index:97

Median Home:$1.05M

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

New York, NY

The Empire State

8.3M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Most populous city in the US
•Major global financial center
•World-renowned cultural hub

Major Industries

FinanceReal EstateTechnologyMedia

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Los Angeles, CA vs New York, NY

Category	Los Angeles, CA	New York, NY	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,602/mo	↓ $556less	25.8%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $303more	17.5%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$688/mo	↑ $134more	24.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $125more	12.0%
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$7,648/mo	↓ $101less	1.3%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$600/mo	↑ $42.62more	7.6%

🚗Transportation

↓ 25.8%

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

New York, NY

$1,602

Difference

$556

less

📦Other

↑ 17.5%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

New York, NY

$2,034

Difference

$303

🏥Healthcare

↑ 24.2%

Los Angeles, CA

$554

New York, NY

$688

Difference

$134

🛒Groceries

↑ 12.0%

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

New York, NY

$1,165

Difference

$125

🏠Housing

↓ 1.3%

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

New York, NY

$7,648

Difference

$101

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 7.6%

Los Angeles, CA

$557

New York, NY

$600

Difference

$42.62

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

New York, NY: NYC Income Tax$5,689/yr (3.8%)

Los Angeles, CA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,910

To$3,120

↑ $1,210

1 Bed

From$2,135

To$3,270

↑ $1,135

2 Bed

From$2,660

To$3,590

↑ $930

3 Bed

From$3,370

To$4,500

↑ $1,130

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/mo

New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260–$3,990/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$13,737

Monthly in New York, NY

$52.96

Difference

Home Values

Los Angeles

New York

$885K

Median Value

$1.05M

↓ -3.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.1%

↑ +13.1%

5-Year Change

↓ -5.9%

$531K - $3.01M

Price Range

$471K - $3.49M

Homes in New York are 19% more expensive than Los Angeles

Calculate payment - Los Angeles Calculate payment - New York

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$90.26

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

New York, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

Additional Tax Information

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.