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New York vs Los Angeles

United States vs United States · 3,954 km apart

New York

United States

$1,664

single / month

VS

Los Angeles

United States

$1,635

single / month

Cheaper overall

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseNew YorkLos AngelesCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$14.63$14.40Los Angeles
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$58.50$57.60Los Angeles
Cappuccino$4.39$4.32Los Angeles
Monthly groceries (single person)$332$326Los Angeles
Monthly public transport pass$53.63$52.80Los Angeles
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$141$139Los Angeles
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$40.95$40.32Los Angeles
Fitness club membership$40.95$40.32Los Angeles
Cinema ticket$10.73$10.56Los Angeles
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$990$971Los Angeles
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$689$675Los Angeles
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$2,066$2,026Los Angeles
Total single-person budget$1,664$1,635Los Angeles
Average net salary$5,070$4,992

Verdict

Los Angeles is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in New York runs about $1,664 versus $1,635 in Los Angeles — a difference of roughly 2%.

Salary-adjusted, New York leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.

Full cost of living in New York  ·  Full cost of living in Los Angeles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is New York cheaper than Los Angeles?
No. New York costs an estimated $1,664 per month for a single person, about 2% more than Los Angeles at $1,635.
How far is New York from Los Angeles?
The straight-line distance between New York and Los Angeles is approximately 3,954 km (2,457 miles).
Which city has better salaries, New York or Los Angeles?
The estimated average net salary is $5,070 in New York and $4,992 in Los Angeles. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $3,406 in New York versus $3,357 in Los Angeles per month.