Los Angeles vs New York: Cost of Living & Housing Comparison
Los Angeles's median home value is $822,600 — 12% higher than New York's $732,100.
Los Angeles's median household income runs $76,244, against $76,607 in New York.
Monthly rent typically costs $1,791 in Los Angeles and $1,714 in New York.
FEMA rates Los Angeles's natural-hazard risk higher than New York's: Very High versus Relatively High.
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,881,041 | 8,622,467 |
| Median home value | $822,600 | $732,100 |
| Median household income | $76,244 | $76,607 |
| Median gross rent | $1,791 | $1,714 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Very High | Relatively High |
New York, NY beats Los Angeles, CA on both housing metrics we track — home value and rent — though this doesn't capture the full cost of living.
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Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.