Cost of Living: Los Angeles vs New York (2026)

Los Angeles vs New York cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. New York is about 1% less expensive than Los Angeles overall — $100,000 in Los Angeles is worth about $99,117 in New York.

New York is about 1% less expensive than Los Angeles overall — $100,000 in Los Angeles is worth about $99,117 in New York.

Los Angeles vs New York: the numbers

MetricLos AngelesNew YorkDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)114113-1%
Median rent$1,879$1,779-5%
Median home value$879,500$751,700-15%
Median household income$80,366$79,713-1%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Los Angeles has the same buying power as about $99,117 in New York. Going the other way, $100,000 in New York is like $100,891 in Los Angeles.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Los Angeles and New York.

Compare any salary: Los Angeles vs New York

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 114 vs 113 — a 1% difference. Your money goes further in New York.

About $99,117 — that's what you'd need in New York to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Los Angeles.