Data last updated: August 2026

New York, NYLos Angeles, CA

You would need around 36.4% less money in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living you have in New York, NY.

Overall Cost of Living

36.4%

Los Angeles, CA is cheaper than New York, NY

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A4,284 USD
City B2,534 USD
Difference-40.8%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A333 USD
City B328 USD
Difference-1.5%

Average Net Salary

City A5,423 USD
City B4,485 USD
Difference-17.3%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA is 36.4% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles, CA's center costs around 2,534 USD, which is a staggering 40.8% less than in New York, NY. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

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Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your current lifestyle in New York, NY.

USD

You need in Los Angeles, CA

3,447 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA and investing the 36% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 5.5 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your New York, NY budget to local Los Angeles, CA prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing2534 USD
Groceries328 USD
Utilities & Internet277 USD

Investment Planner

You save 1750 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Los Angeles, CA.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~294,000 USD in 10 years.