New York vs Los Angeles: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
New York is 15% more expensive than Los Angeles. New York is 38% safer. Los Angeles has more comfortable months (12 vs 6). New York population: 8,584,629. Los Angeles population: 3,869,089.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: New York vs Los Angeles
Los Angeles is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 165 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 25 index points.
| Category | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 190 | 165 |
| Housing | $5,340/moIndex: 300 | $4,806/moIndex: 270 |
| Groceries | $472/moIndex: 115 | $443/moIndex: 108 |
| Transportation | $438/moIndex: 125 | $420/moIndex: 120 |
| Healthcare | $358/moIndex: 112 | $346/moIndex: 108 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: New York vs Los Angeles
New York is 38% safer overall, with a crime rate of 19.8 per 1,000 residents vs Los Angeles's 32. New York earns a B- safety grade compared to Los Angeles's C-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
New York
New York
Los Angeles
California
| Metric | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 19.8/1K | 32/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 380.0 | 700.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 1600.0 | 2500.0 |
| Murder Rate | 5.8 | 10.2 |
| Assault Rate | 307.2 | 490.2 |
| Robbery Rate | 78.0 | 140.9 |
| Burglary Rate | 209.6 | 327.5 |
| Theft Rate | 1317.5 | 1736.2 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 222.6 | 273.1 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In New York, you have a 1 in 51 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 31 in Los Angeles.
Climate: New York vs Los Angeles
New York Climate Overview
Los Angeles Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | New York | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 62.7°F | 75°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 47.3°F | 56.7°F |
| Annual Rain | 49.0" | 14.7" |
| Annual Snow | 24.8" | None |
| Comfortable Months | 6 | 12 |
| Freezing Months | 3 | 0 |
Both cities have similar summer temperatures, but New York is 22°F colder in winter than Los Angeles. New York gets 25 inches of snow annually, while Los Angeles rarely sees any. New York is wetter with 49" of annual rain compared to 15". Los Angeles has more comfortable weather months (12 vs 6).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New York cheaper than Los Angeles?
Is New York safer than Los Angeles?
Which city has better weather, New York or Los Angeles?
Should I move to New York or Los Angeles?
How big is New York compared to Los Angeles?
Is housing cheaper in New York or Los Angeles?
Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
Know before you go
CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.
Explore cities