Moving from Los Angeles to New York (2026)
New York has a COL index of 187 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 8% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in New York to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in New York |
|---|---|
| $40K | $43,237 |
| $50K | $54,046 |
| $60K | $64,855 |
| $75K | $81,069 |
| $80K | $86,474 |
| $100K | $108,092 |
| $120K | $129,711 |
| $150K | $162,139 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs New York
| Expense | Los Angeles | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,309 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $3,500 |
| Groceries | $410 | $437 |
| Transport | $100 | $132 |
| Utilities | $145 | $180 |
| Internet | $70 | $75 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $-15 |
Frequently asked questions
Is New York cheaper than Los Angeles?
No. New York has a cost of living index of 187 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 8% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to New York?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in New York run about $799/month more than Los Angeles. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $81,069/year in New York. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only