Cost of living New York vs Los Angeles
The 2024 RPP from BEA's regional price parities places Los Angeles 0.9% above New York. Their indexes are 113.6 and 112.6, compared with a US average of 100.
| US = 100 for price levels | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Price level, all items | 112.6 | 113.6 |
| Housing (rents) | 148.6 | 170.4 |
| Goods | 110.3 | 106.6 |
| Utilities | 127.0 | 158.6 |
| Other services | 105.8 | 104.4 |
| Typical rent a month | $4,089 | $2,772 |
| Typical home value, September 2026 | $825,854 | $927,891 |
| Median household income | $81,228 | $82,263 |
| Price to income | 10.2 | 11.3 |
For each metro area, the figures draw on 2024 BEA regional price parities, Zillow ZORI, ZHVI, and Census ACS 2024 income. Regional price parities
Los Angeles move from New York: required salary
This salary is adjusted using two price levels. It is before tax, while state and local taxes differ. Explore cost of living comparisons for other cities.
Rent in New York vs Los Angeles
According to the Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI), which covers asking rent on homes listed now, New York's typical monthly asking rent is $4,089 and Los Angeles's is $2,772. Los Angeles rent comes in 32.2% below New York. BEA's housing price level tracks rents and stands at 148.6 in New York against 170.4 in Los Angeles.
| Rent | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical asking rent, Zillow ZORI | $4,089 | $2,772 |
| 12-month change | +5.2% | +0.8% |
| Median gross rent, Census ACS 2024 | $1,811 | $1,958 |
| Housing price level, BEA (US = 100) | 148.6 | 170.4 |
Home prices: New York and Los Angeles
The Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) placed the value of a home typical of the middle of the market at $825,854 in New York and $927,891 in Los Angeles in September 2026. Compared with New York, the typical Los Angeles home has a price that is 12.4% higher.
| Home prices | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical home value, September 2026 | $825,854 | $927,891 |
| 12-month change | +4.3% | −0.5% |
| 10-year change | +38.2% | +73.2% |
| Price to income | 10.2 | 11.3 |
| Price to rent | 16.8 | 27.9 |
This ratio compares the typical home value with median household income (Census ACS 2024). The home value is the numerator. This ratio compares the typical home value with one year of asking rent. The home value is the numerator.
A look at both price histories
New York is the steel line; Los Angeles is the grey one. Beginning in January 2000, New York's typical home increased from $240,841 to $825,854, or ×3.43. Los Angeles went from $220,092 to $927,891, or ×4.22, over the same period.
