LA vs NYC: Honest Comparison Of Culture, Cost & More 2026
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LA vs NYC? I love this question! Let me tell you why.
LA and NYC are both among my most favorite cities on the planet. I’m a big fan of the intersections between history, nature, culture, and cities and both LA and NYC offer great perspectives!
I’ve lived in, worked in, and now continue to visit NYC multiple times throughout the year. And LA has had my heart for 40 + years since I moved to California.
Let’s just say that when my daughter had to give up her fabulous apartment in West Hollywood because of a career change, I was selfishly in tears, wishing we could keep the place just for our weekend getaways! Thankfully, our other daughter lives in NYC, otherwise, I’d really be a mess!
I never tire of visiting and touring in either spot.. That’s why the LA vs NYC debate never loses steam.
LA vs NYC: Which City Is Better?
Asking which city is better is complicated because they are such different places both culturally and visually. Each place has its pros and cons.
Before I dive in with deets, here’s a summary:
LA’s weather is consistently beautiful, warm, and sunny.
LA has far more open and green spaces for experiencing the natural beauty of the beaches, hills, and tropical flora and fauna. Being on the ocean is a huge plus.
LA has a slower pace of life simply because that’s the vibe and also because it takes so long to get around.
LA also has larger homes, yards, and lots of outdoor swimming pools!
NYC has four distinct seasons – sunny days, crisp fall days, and cozy snow days.
NYC stays awake 24/7, with more immediate access to everything you want to do, see, or experience.
NYC has great transportation – you can live your whole life in NYC and never own a car.
LA vs NYC Key Differences
The differences between these cities are tremendous. Like apples and oranges, literally the Big Apple vs LA where oranges are actually growing everywhere.
OK, let’s talk specifics:
Cost & Prices
When comparing costs and prices in LA and NYC, we can start with the fact that NYC is listed as the #1 most expensive city in the US and LA is listed as #9 out of 10.
Housing – Apartments in LA are larger and cost less than those in Manhattan. Of course, in both cities, you can find lower rent on the outskirts or in suburbs. And you can find a range of hotel prices as well.
Location – Neighborhood is equally as important in both cities – ie: the cost of a megamansion on the Upper East Side in NYC is crazy, as is a mansion in Beverly Hills. The difference is, of course, the size of the NYC property vs the LA property. LA homes come with acres of land, NYC homes might have a garden.
Transportation – The costs associated with a car in NYC are ridiculous. Not just because of gas, but because the cost of a parking space is exorbitant, not to mention trying to find street or metered parking.
In LA, you basically need to have a car to get around, even if you’re just visiting. You’re likely to have access to a parking space, but you’ll probably have to pay a parking fee. You’ll also be spending a lot on gas in LA because of the stop and go traffic and the use of the car’s air conditioner.
If you look at gas prices in LA, in contrast to the cost of using public transportation in NYC, it’s probably more cost effective to pay for a 30 day MetroCard in NYC than to drive your car for 30 days in LA, (assuming it’s not an electric vehicle!)
Entertainment – The price of activities such as movies and museums is slightly more expensive in NYC, ie: a $30 ticket at the Met in NYC vs a $25 ticket at the LA County Museum of Art. The cost of big tourist attractions such as the Empire State Building in NYC or Disneyland in LA are high in both locations. Luckily, both cities offer many free museums and experiences!
Weather
Weather is where the rubber meets the road in this debate. You can’t beat the LA weather!
Los Angeles will have warmer temps and a more stable climate throughout the year. NYC has a much wider range of temperatures.
The summers in both locations are similar with average highs of 84 F – 85 F.
The average lows in NYC however, are down to 27 F, whereas in LA the average yearly low is 49 F.
LA gets about 4 inches of rain per year while NYC gets about 25 inches per year!
Food
Dining at restaurants in both cities is expensive. Both places have amazing choices, but, you’ll pay high prices for good food and drinks. When I compare a Caesar Salad at a well known restaurant that has venues in both cities, the prices are comparable – yes, I’m talking a $25 classic Caesar Salad.
I think it’s a myth to say there are more diverse food options in NYC and healthier food options in LA. I have dined A LOT in both places and I look for a wide variety of foods when I travel. I’ve found fabulous, diverse, and healthy food in NYC and LA, including my favorite Malibu Farm.
That being said, basic grocery costs in LA are better than those in NYC. For instance the cost of a gallon of milk in NYC is about .35 cents more than in LA.
Culture
LA is a multicultural city with reportedly over 200 languages spoken. There are large neighborhoods which continue to be considered “ethnic enclaves” celebrating a wide variety of cultures which influence everything from jobs to music and food.
LA is mostly known for its television and film culture, has some of the best art museums in the country, and is a theme park mecca.
Another prevailing part of the LA culture, which is in contrast to the very wealthy and elite movie star vibe, is the laid back beach going, surfing culture. In places like Venice Beach, you’ll feel like you’re in a different country than when you’re in Beverly Hills, and yet it’s just 11 miles apart.
NYC is considered by many to be the cultural capital of the world. The Big Apple has been named the most linguistically diverse city in the world with over 800 languages spoken. NYC’s large immigrant population continues to impact its art, music, food, and politics.
NYC is also widely known for its film, theater, and visual arts culture with the best in the world contributing to Broadway productions and museum exhibits. NYC also hosts major historic landmark attractions like the 911 Memorial and Empire State Building. You can see so much in a short time in NYC.
Size & Geography
LA is a very large and expansive city with over 502 square miles, housing about 3.8 million people.
Its geographical landscape is unusual in that it’s surrounded by mountain ranges and consists of many hills and valleys before hitting the Pacific coast. There are views from the hills that will take your breath away and sunsets to die for!
Navigating LA, however is not easy and I honestly don’t know how we ever did it without GPS!
NYC is a very different terrain with five boroughs. The whole area is about 300 square miles, housing about 8.4 million people.
It’s remarkable that in a significantly smaller land mass, NYC’s population is more than double that of LA.
NYC’s landscape is marked by its spot at the juncture of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean. The access to the ocean and rivers on either side of Manhattan is excellent, but its nothing like having a sandy beach at your fingertips like in LA.
NYC also has amazing views from high atop buildings or from the Hudson looking at the skyline Who doesn’t love a sunset in NYC?
Navigating NYC is considered easy because of its layout on a grid.
Safety
Safety is always a concern when visiting a big city, especially cities with reputations like LA and NYC.
Given that Los Angeles and New York City are two of the largest cities in the United States, both have seen improvements in crime during recent years.
NYC was once notorious for its high crime rates and is now considered one of the safest large cities in the US.
LA, on the other hand, due to its sprawling layout, has a wider mix of safe and less safe neighborhoods. Safety in LA is not a concern in the tourist areas.
On average, New York City tends to have a lower crime rate when compared to Los Angeles.
When it comes to natural disasters, LA and NYC face very different risks. LA is known for its earthquakes, wildfires, and the occasional mudslide. The city is located on what is called the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to seismic activity.
Whereas, NYC’s disaster risks include hurricanes, flooding, and snow storms.
As a female traveler, I’m going to focus a little on safety for women while traveling in LA and NYC. Off the top, I can say I feel very safe in both places. Obviously, I always take the basic safety precautions wherever I am, but in general, I can say that I am comfortable on the subways, feel safe in Central Park and when walking the streets of NYC. I’m equally as comfortable driving and walking around LA.
LA: Best Things To Do
There tons of fun things to do in LA and many of them are free! Here are a few suggestions to keep you busy and safe. Also great for first time visitors!
✔️Grand City Tour of Los Angeles
I recommend this excellently rated, 5 star tour to give you a good sense of all the LA highlights. You won’t have to try to drive yourself, navigate traffic, or try to park while you’re also trying to absorb and take photos! The reviews rave about the guide’s ability to share all kinds of interesting info along the way. This is a 5 hour tour that will pick you up and drop you off at select hotels for $89 per person.
The day includes:
Downtown Historic District
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Griffith Park
Hollywood Walk of Fame & Chinese Theater
The Sunset Strip
Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive
The Farmers Market
Koreatown
✔️Climb To The Iconic Hollywood Sign
Hiking to the iconic Hollywood Sign is a fun way to spend a morning before it heats up. The sign is on Mt. Lee, which is also in Griffith Park and the trail is beautiful, the views are great, and the photo op is necessary!
There are three routes to the sign:
~ The Easy Mt. Hollywood Trail
~ The Moderate Brush Canyon Trail
~ The Difficult Cahuenga Peak Hike Trail
Park in the lot at 3200 Canyon Dr. where you’ll find the trailheads. Parking is limited so go early to get a spot. Always read signs and check for closures or mountain lion sightings.
✔️Visit Venice Beach and the Venice Canals
Don’t leave LA without a trip to Venice Beach and the Venice Canals.
Walking on the legendary Venice Beach and its boardwalk is a must – do experience. You’ll see performers, shops, and a side of LA that only exists in Venice.
After you’ve had your fill of the wild scene at the beach, then head to the canals that are just north of the main entrance to the boardwalk area. These neighborhood canals were designed after Italy’s Venice.
Wander along the quiet and pleasant canals for a relaxing time and to see some of the unusual and beautiful homes.
NYC: Best Things To Do
So many suggestions – So little time! Here are a few things on my NYC Must Do list. Look here for all the amazing things to do in NYC.
✔️Visit the Empire State Building
Is the Empire State Building worth it? Absolutely!
It’s one of those iconic experiences that you’ll remember always. The views of the city are incredible and the building is steeped in so much history, it’s very exciting.
You can take a glass elevator to the observatory on the 102 floor with window walls offering 360 degree views of Manhattan or feel free to stop at the famous the 86th floor where all your favorite movies were filmed.
✔️Cruise to the Statue of Liberty
Visiting The Statue of Liberty is another one of those things you gotta do at least once in your life.
Take the boat from Battery Park and ride into the New York Harbor to see Lady Liberty at Liberty Park and visit the Ellis Island Museum.
You’ll be inspired and might discover some interesting links to your family’s history!
✔️Enjoy Central Park
Central Park is an unending source of beauty within the vibrant Big Apple. You can explore it over and over again and always find something new.
The park is 843 acres and is home to some of NYC’s most special landmarks and fun things to do. Grab a map at the Dairy Visitor Center, mid park at 65th Street and enjoy!
You can stroll on the mall, take a horse and buggy ride, row a boat, ride the Merry Go Round, or go to the Central Park Zoo. Or just grab some food and enjoy the day.
✔️ Tour One World Trade Center & 911 Memorial
& Oculus
Lower Manhattan is full of things to see and do and The World Trade Center should be on your list. The 9/11 memorial honors the 2977 people killed at the World Trade Center, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon on 9/11 as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing on 2/26/1993.
The twin reflecting pools are surrounded by the names of 9/11 victims and White Oak trees grow in their honor.
Visit One World Trade Center, the Freedom Tower, and spend time in The Oculus, which is the symbol of a dove leaving a child’s hands.
FAQs
The LA vs NYC debate has gone on for a long time. I’m not sure why the rivalry. I find room in my heart to love both places and I recommend you do the same!
Here are some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
Why move from NYC to LA?
People I know who have moved from NYC to LA typically make the change based on a few factors:
Weather – The warmer weather is a huge factor, and can you blame them?
Lifestyle – Another reason is the lifestyle change in terms of the pace of the day to day as well as the more laid back attitudes that come with a slower rhythm of life.
Nature – Experiencing nature and the outdoors more, especially the beach, is another reason to move from NYC to LA.
Opportunity – And finally, job opportunities may be broader in the larger expanse of Los Angeles as compared to the more condensed and impacted New York City.
Is LA as big as NYC?
LA is bigger geographically in square miles, but smaller in population than NYC.
LA is about 502 square miles and NYC is 304 square miles. LA has 3.8 million people and NYC has 8.4 million people.
Do most celebrities live in LA or New York?
It has long been thought that LA is the celebrity capital of the world because of being home to all of the major film studios, its sprawling mansions and views, and ideal weather conditions. That being said, New York is packed with celebrities as well, has an ever thriving Broadway, television, and film scene, and offers everything stars can want from the iconic east coast hub.
I think we can safely assume that both cities offer great set ups for celebrities, and that’s why many have homes in both places!
Keep your eye out when visiting either city because you never know when you’ll run into your favorite star!
Is LA or NYC safer?
In a word, NYC is considered to be safer than LA.
While NYC has crime, the rates of crime have dropped considerably, to the point that NYC is now considered one of the safest cities in the country.
In contrast, LA continues to have a higher crime rate problem in both violent crime and theft.
Carrie’s Quick & Easy Links
🌍 Flights & Hotels: I recommend Expedia
🏠 Vacation rentals: I recommend VRBO
🚘 Car Rental: I recommend Hertz
🌐 Tours: I recommend Viator
🛍 Gear: Check out my Travel Stuff
📷 Create Your Travel Memory Books with MILK
Now you’ve got the whole scoop on
LA vs NYC!
In a nutshell…
The debate of LA vs NYC is about as varied as the cities themselves. While LA offers a more laid-back lifestyle with sunny beaches and sprawling landscapes, NYC thrives on an energetic vibe under its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. LA’s entertainment industry and outdoor opportunities contrast with NYC’s cultural melting pot, financial hub, and artistic scenes.
My conclusion is that both cities offer a whole set of unique charms and challenges and continually captivate and inspire their visitors.
So, why choose? Visit both!
xx,
Carrie
