🇺🇸 Los Angeles vs 🇺🇸 New York
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇺🇸
Los Angeles
United States
$2,831–$4,482/mo
$2,831 – $4,482 / month (local)
🇺🇸
New York
United States
$3,077–$4,872/mo
$3,077 – $4,872 / month (local)
New York is 9% more expensive
Los Angeles wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Los Angeles (USD) | New York (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $2,123–$3,303 | $2,308–$3,590 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,121–$1,769 | $1,218–$1,923 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Utilities | $88–$171 | $96–$186 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Groceries | $448–$672 | $487–$731 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $59–$106 | $64–$115 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Public transport (monthly) | $112–$136 | $122–$147 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Internet & Mobile | $35–$59 | $38–$64 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Gym membership | $41–$77 | $45–$83 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Cinema ticket | $17–$21 | $18–$23 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,831–$4,482 | $3,077–$4,872 | 🟢 Los Angeles |
See how your salary compares in both cities
Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).
Quality of life comparison
Housing3.1 / 10 · 2.7 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
New York
Safety9.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Los Angeles▲ better
New York
Healthcare8.0 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
Los Angeles
New York▲ better
Education7.6 / 10 · 7.8 / 10
Los Angeles
New York▲ better
Environment8.4 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Los Angeles
New York▲ better
Economy6.7 / 10 · 6.9 / 10
Los Angeles
New York▲ better
Culture7.3 / 10 · 7.5 / 10
Los Angeles
New York▲ better
Internet7.7 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Los Angeles
New York▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than New York
- ✓Weather
- ✓Creative industries
- ✓Diversity
- ✓Entertainment
Choose New York if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what New York offers vs Los Angeles
- ✓Career opportunities
- ✓Culture
- ✓Transit
- ✓Finance
You might also like…
📊
Full Los Angeles guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Los Angeles →📊
Full New York guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore New York →