Monthly estimate = 1BR rent + electricity + gas
A one-person monthly baseline (1BR rent plus typical utilities) runs $2,010 in Los Angeles, CA versus $2,010 in New York City, NY. The two are close overall, within a few percent of each other.
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $79,713 in New York City, NY — about 1% higher in Los Angeles, CA. California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Rent
Buying a Home
Income
People & Lifestyle
Crime (per 100k/yr)
FBI Crime Data Explorer. Offenses per 100,000 residents per year; agency reporting practices vary, so this is approximate.
Climate
Gas
Area: Los Angeles vs New York City.
Public Transit
Adult base one-way fare — LA Metro vs MTA (2026).
Utilities
Residential, state-level averages (EIA). MCF = 1,000 cubic feet.
Groceries
Average prices — West vs Northeast (BLS). Regional where available, otherwise U.S. average.
State Taxes
Los Angeles vs New York City — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Los Angeles or New York City?
- They're close. Los Angeles, CA runs about $2,010 a month and New York City, NY about $2,010 (1BR rent + utilities) — within a few percent of each other.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Los Angeles than in New York City?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, you'd want to earn roughly $68,000 a year in Los Angeles versus $68,000 in New York City.
- Which has lower taxes, Los Angeles or New York City?
- Los Angeles is taxed under California's rules (a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a 7.25% state sales tax); New York City under New York's (a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax).
Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year (rent, income, home value, demographics); NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010 (climate); EIA weekly retail (gas); Tax Foundation 2026 (state taxes).