ReloMath

New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA: Cost of Living

Compare the cost of living between New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA. See the equivalent salary and median rent powered by BLS Regional Price Parities.

Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗
Source-verified · June 2026BEA Regional Price Parities by MSA, 2022 (Table 4); HUD FY2024 Fair Market Rents (2-BR) Official source ↗

New York, NY

NY

Overall RPP (US=100)
113
Housing RPP
154.2
Goods RPP
107.6
2-BR median rent
$2,752/mo

NY state income tax 4%-10.9% + NYC city tax up to 3.876% for city residents.

Los Angeles, CA

CA

Overall RPP (US=100)
113.1
Housing RPP
177
Goods RPP
106.3
2-BR median rent
$2,544/mo

California income tax 1%-13.3%. No city income tax.

Equivalent salary

Los Angeles, CA is more expensive than New York, NY by about 0.1% (RPP 113 to 113.1).

$60,000 in New York, NY

-> $60,053

in Los Angeles, CA

$100,000 in New York, NY

-> $100,088

in Los Angeles, CA

$150,000 in New York, NY

-> $150,133

in Los Angeles, CA

This tool provides estimates only. Equivalent-salary figures are derived from BLS Regional Price Parities (RPP) and HUD Fair Market Rents — they are averages, not guarantees. Actual cost of living varies by neighborhood, lifestyle, and individual circumstances. Not financial advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper or more expensive than New York, NY?
Los Angeles, CA (RPP 113.1) is more expensive than New York, NY (RPP 113) by about 0.1%.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA if I earn $100,000 in New York, NY?
You would need approximately $100,088 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in New York, NY. Formula: $100,000 x (113.1 / 113).