City Comparison
New York vs Los Angeles
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
New York
United States
COL+Rent
82.5
Rent Index
70
Groceries
98.7
Restaurant
105.2
Los Angeles
United States
COL+Rent
69.5
Rent Index
57.8
Groceries
84.4
Restaurant
88.9
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | New York | Los Angeles | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $3,182 | $2,627 | +$555 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $2,494 | $2,059 | +$435 |
| Groceries | $566 | $484 | +$82 |
| Restaurant Meal | $30 | $26 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $99 | $85 | +$14 |
| Utilities | $229 | $196 | +$33 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $3,338/mo | $2,783/mo |
| Typical | $4,526/mo | $3,782/mo |
| Comfortable | $5,567/mo | $4,663/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in New York | ≈ in Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,264/mo | -$236 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,685/mo | -$315 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,527/mo | -$473 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Los Angeles is approximately 16% cheaper overall. New York's COL+Rent Index is 82.5 vs Los Angeles's 69.5 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in New York vs Los Angeles?
A 1BR in New York city center costs ~$3,182/mo vs $2,627/mo in Los Angeles. Outside the center: $2,494 vs $2,059.
What is $2,000/month in New York worth in Los Angeles?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in New York has the purchasing power of approximately $1,685/month in Los Angeles.
Are groceries cheaper in New York or Los Angeles?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $566 in New York vs $484 in Los Angeles. Groceries Index: 98.7 vs 84.4 (NYC = 100).