New York vs Los Angeles — Where would you live?
Have you ever considered living or renting in the Big apple or the City of Angels — Let's take a look!
Having lived in both NY & LA, I thought it would be interesting to share some of the good and not-good points about both cities if you are looking to stay or take the plunge and move to one of these very exciting cities…
Statistics show that more than 70 million+ people visit the United States yearly. And New York receives the highest number of tourists, with over 10 million visits, while Los Angeles comes in third with over 4 million visitors per year.
These two cities have excellent sites and structures that welcome visitors every time.
New York has magnificent sites like the empire state building, the Crysler Building, Times Square, and Greenwich village. Los Angeles, on the other hand, has the Lakers, the Hollywood sign, and Beverly hills.
Los Angeles has the second largest airport in the United States (Los Angeles International Airport).
Both cities have been featured in a lot of movies which makes them even more popular, attracting tourists from across the World.
Giving rise to diverse opinions among tourists who have visited both cities. But, what is the difference between these two cities?
New York vs Los Angeles: The Essential Differences:
New York and Los Angeles are big cities. But they do have some striking differences.
1. Los Angeles has higher real estate prices compared to New York City.
2. Los Angeles is more affordable than New York City.
3. Public transportation in Los Angeles is cheaper.
4. New York City is relatively safer than Los Angeles.
5. New York City has more career opportunities.
6. The lifestyle in New York city is busier than in Los Angeles.
7. New York has interesting nightlife with much higher food costs.
8. Los Angeles has an enjoyable natural life.
Real Estate Prices:
In terms of housing costs, houses in Los Angeles sell for higher than in New York.
However, New York, also known as the big apple, has a higher rent cost than Los Angeles.
For example, the average value of homes in New York City starts from $750,000 to $1 million and beyond. While in Los Angeles, houses go for as high as $990,000 to $1.5 million and beyond.
For rent, one bedroom apartment in New York City center costs $3,000 to $4,000 monthly on average. A bit on the high side compared to Los Angeles, which has single bedrooms that cost $2,700 monthly.
The outer parts of both Los Angeles and New york city cost less money.
NYC Apartments cost around $2400, while Los Angeles costs around $1,950 monthly.
Cost of Living Which One Is More Affordable?
Although NYC and LA are high-cost states, the cost of living is generally higher in NYC compared to LA.
Salary.com places a 27.9% difference between both cities because a $9,000 standard of living in New York is equal to $6,200 standard of living in Los Angeles.
An average meal in a cheap restaurant in New York City costs $25, while it costs $17.5 in Los Angeles. A liter of milk in NYC costs $1.23, while in Los Angeles costs $1.13.
Both cities have significant differences. Basic household costs like water, electricity, and garbage cost an average of $164 in New York City and around $137 in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles vs New York: Lifestyle & Diversity:
Talking about the usual lifestyle of people in these cities, what’s their pace like, what’s the offer of recreational activities with how diverse they are in terms of culture, etc.
The lifestyle of New Yorkers and those in Los Angeles is interesting to say the least. They know how to have fun at luxury restaurants, clubs, and parties. New York is called the city that never sleeps for a reason.
With LA being one of the biggest entertainment hubs in the world, their lifestyle is pretty much that of showbiz (Glitz & Glamour). They care a lot about their appearances and have a slower pace of life.
The diversity of new yorkers can be traced to how they have various languages in the metropolitan areas leading to a perfect blend of cultures.
On the other hand, Los Angeles has its fair share of arts, museums, and cultural exhibitions, but it is not as diversified as New York City.
New York vs Los Angeles The Pros & Cons:
Speaking of the cost of living and transportation costs, LA has the upper hand compared to NYC. NYC is a go-to place for all party lovers because they can party all night.
However, Los Angeles has lesser tolerance for late-night parties.
New York City has a higher safety index and better career opportunities. However, it has a higher cost of living and a smaller land size too.
Los Angeles, on the other hand, has a lower cost of living with a more comfortable and stable climate. The city also has an affordable transport system. Its neighborhoods are widely spaced, which actually makes them less walkable.
Conclusion: Which City Is Better to Live in - LA or NY?
For starters, it’s good to know that reaching New York has become a bit easier with the ESTA for New York, and the same goes for LA: you can obtain the California ESTA if Los Angeles is your dream destination.
NYC and Los Angeles are huge cities in the United States. But they do have their up and downsides.
Settling in any city boils down to your own preference. If you are comfortable with harsh climates, high cost of living, and high-income rates, you can opt for NYC.
However, LA is your go-to place if you want to enjoy a low cost of living. But, you would need to be security conscious. Credit — Abisola Fikayomi.
FAQs
Which is richer — LA or NY?
New York is richer than LA due to the numerous wealth inflow into the City. Due to early establishments, taxing systems, and proper management, it has been able to maintain its wealth.
Which is more expensive— LA or NY?
Due to the difference in housing prices, LA is less expensive to live in compared to NYC. Prices for daily eating are way lower in LA, whether you are cooking or eating out.
Which City is more dangerous?
New York has a history of violence it is relatively safe compared to Los Angeles. Los Angeles has a higher crime rate, such as thefts, assaults, and vandalism.
By Pete Moore — Seamless Entertainment
