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New York, NY

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Los Angeles, CA

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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You'd spend $237/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.8K in Los Angeles, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area
Overall Cost
3.2%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$237
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$2.8K
Per year

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

New York, NY

Population:8337K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$1.05M

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K
Cost Index:103
Median Home:$885K

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

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

🚗Transportation
34.7%
New York, NY
$1,602
Los Angeles, CA
$2,158
Difference
$556
more
📦Other
14.9%
New York, NY
$2,034
Los Angeles, CA
$1,731
Difference
$303
less
🏥Healthcare
19.5%
New York, NY
$688
Los Angeles, CA
$554
Difference
$134
less
🛒Groceries
10.7%
New York, NY
$1,165
Los Angeles, CA
$1,040
Difference
$125
less
🏠Housing
1.3%
New York, NY
$7,648
Los Angeles, CA
$7,749
Difference
$101
more
All Utilities
7.1%
New York, NY
$600
Los Angeles, CA
$557
Difference
$42.62
less

🏛️ 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$3,120
To$1,910
$1,210
1 Bed
From$3,270
To$2,135
$1,135
2 Bed
From$3,590
To$2,660
$930
3 Bed
From$4,500
To$3,370
$1,130
New York, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,260$3,990/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630$3,130/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.

$13,737
Monthly in New York, NY
$13,790
Monthly in Los Angeles, CA
$52.96
Difference

Home Values

New York
Los Angeles
$1.05M
Median Value
$885K
↓ -0.1%
YoY Change
↓ -3.4%
↓ -5.9%
5-Year Change
↑ +13.1%
$471K - $3.49M
Price Range
$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 16% less expensive than New York

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$1.1K
More taxes
Monthly Difference
$90.26
Less take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.7%
Rate difference

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

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

Additional Tax Information

New York, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:1.2%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%
Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.

Environment

New York
Los Angeles
43 Good
Air Quality
80 Moderate
65.8%
Good Air Days
10.4%
99 High
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌊🌀🌡
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌅
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+2.6°F
11 days
Heat Days >95°F
17 days
+2.7°F
2050 Outlook
+2.6°F
11 days
Heat Days >95°F
17 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between New York and California on TaxTakeHome.com

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