Median rent is 20% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $2,226/mo). Buying is cheaper in New York, where the median home runs $751,700 versus $755,900. Households earn more in Concord ($109,195 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Concord is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 96.8 against 113.0 — about 14% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Concord, CA.
Quick verdict
Concord is 14% cheaper overall
Cost index: 96.8 in Concord vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Concord, CA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Concord, CA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$87,553
You'd need $12,553 more (17% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Concord
California
New York
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in New York at $1,779/mo compared to $2,226/mo in Concord (20% gap). Median home values are within 1% of each other: $755,900 in Concord and $751,700 in New York.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 10.90% in New York, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Concord
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Concord.
Pick Concord if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 96.8 vs 113.0).
Pick Concord if you prioritize higher median household income ($109,195/yr).
Pick New York if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,779/mo median).
Pick New York if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is Concord cheaper than New York?
Concord is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.8 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 14% lower in Concord.
How much is rent in Concord vs New York?
Median rent is $2,226/mo in Concord, CA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Concord or New York?
Median household income is $109,195 in Concord, CA and $79,713 in New York, NY. Concord, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Concord or New York?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and New York's is 10.90%. New York, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Concord income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Concord, CA is equivalent to roughly $116,738 in New York, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology