City Comparison
Los Angeles vs New York
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Los Angeles is ~16% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles | New York | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $2,627 | $3,182 | $555 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,059 | $2,494 | $435 |
| Groceries | $484 | $566 | $82 |
| Restaurant Meal | $26 | $30 | $4 |
| Transit Pass | $85 | $99 | $14 |
| Utilities | $196 | $229 | $33 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $2,783/mo | $3,338/mo |
| Typical | $3,782/mo | $4,526/mo |
| Comfortable | $4,663/mo | $5,567/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Los Angeles | ≈ in New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,781/mo | +$281 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,374/mo | +$374 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,561/mo | +$561 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Los Angeles or New York cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles is approximately 16% cheaper overall. Los Angeles's COL+Rent Index is 69.5 vs New York's 82.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs New York?
A 1BR in Los Angeles city center costs ~$2,627/mo vs $3,182/mo in New York. Outside the center: $2,059 vs $2,494.
What is $2,000/month in Los Angeles worth in New York?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Los Angeles has the purchasing power of approximately $2,374/month in New York.
Are groceries cheaper in Los Angeles or New York?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $484 in Los Angeles vs $566 in New York. Groceries Index: 84.4 vs 98.7 (NYC = 100).