6
New York vs Los Angeles cost of living?
I'm relocating for work and the offers are similar, but I'm stuck on the cost differences. Specifically, I'm trying to figure out how much more I'll need to make in NYC to maintain the same standard of living I'd have in LA. Rent is my biggest concern, but also things like groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
2 Answers
8
47d ago
Expect to pay significantly more for housing in New York City, especially Manhattan or prime Brooklyn locations. Transportation costs are generally lower in NYC due to the subway, but groceries and entertainment will also be more expensive. A good rule of thumb is that you'll need at least 20-30% more salary in NYC to maintain a comparable lifestyle to LA. Use a cost of living calculator to get a more precise estimate based on your specific spending habits.
6
46d ago
At a $90k salary, you'll feel the pinch more in NYC. Expect to spend a significantly larger portion of your income on rent in Manhattan compared to Santa Monica. Factor in higher costs for transportation (NYC subway vs. LA car dependency, including gas and insurance), groceries, and entertainment. While California has state income tax, New York City has its own city income tax on top of state and federal taxes. Run a few online cost of living calculators, but generally, you'll have more disposable income in LA with that salary.