Median rent is 22% lower in Los Angeles ($1,879/mo vs $2,395/mo). Buying is cheaper in New City, where the median home runs $618,500 versus $879,500. Households earn more in New City ($174,479 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, New City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.0 against 113.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New City, NY.
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
New City, NY
How much would you need to earn in New City, NY to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in New City, NY
$74,788
You could earn $212 less (0% lower) and break even.
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
Los Angeles
California
New City
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Los Angeles — median rent of $1,879/mo versus $2,395/mo in New City, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $618,500 in New City — 30% more expensive.
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 City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.00% in New York; New City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
New City
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for New City.
Pick New City if you prioritize higher median household income ($174,479/yr).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,879/mo median).
Pick New City if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than New City?
New City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New City.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs New City?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $2,395/mo in New City, NY. Los Angeles, CA has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or New City?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $174,479 in New City, NY. New City, NY 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 — Los Angeles or New City?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and New York's is 10.90%. New City, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New City to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,717 in New City, 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