NYC moves at a breakneck speed with excitement on every street corner, but sometimes even the most tried-and-true New Yorker needs a change of pace — and a little more privacy.
Moving from NYC to LA doesn’t mean you have to give up the glamor of the Big Apple — you’re just trading it in for a different kind. Driving in traffic might take some getting used to, but the cost of living in LA vs. NYC is a little lower, the weather is beautiful, the pace is less hurried, and the entertainment industry is at your doorstep. And not to mention, the street tacos!
Because both cities have so much character, it can be hard to decide if you should trade the Empire State Building for the Hollywood Hills. Before you go through your moving checklist, let’s review New York vs. LA to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.
Moving From NYC to LA: How Do They Compare?
In the age-old debate of LA vs. NYC, it’s hard to pick a clear winner. Both cities have a lot to offer — and a lot to miss — when you make the move. But if you’re planning on moving from NYC to LA, it’s helpful to have a clear picture of what those main differences (and similarities) are.
Here’s a high-level overview to start:
Fast Facts: LA vs. NYC
Los Angeles, CA | New York City, NY | |
Population | ||
Median Age | ||
Climate | Borderline Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters | Humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and snowy winters |
Cost of Living | ||
Median Home Price | ||
Average Rent |
One of the biggest things a New Yorker has to look forward to when moving to LA is trading their heavy winter coat for a light jacket in the winter.
Renting an apartment is also usually more expensive in NYC, and with so many people crammed into a physically smaller geographic area, the city can feel crowded. Moving to California means you’ll have a much easier time getting some space if you ever need to hit pause.
On the other hand, New Yorkers might miss the hustle and bustle of the city, which seems to carry a life force of its own. The walkability and the number of accessible cultural activities in NYC are unbeatable. LA also doesn’t experience seasons the way New York does, so veteran New Yorkers might also miss Central Park’s leaves turning orange in autumn or daffodils cropping up in the West Village in April.
What’s the Cost of Living in Los Angeles vs. NYC Cost of Living?
The cost of living in both LA and NYC is much higher than the rest of the country. But if you’re moving from NYC to LA, the slightly lower cost of living in Los Angeles might feel like a relief. Still, there are a few factors that could tip the scales. Here’s a breakdown on what impacts the cost of living in LA vs. NYC.
State income tax: California and New York both have higher income tax rates. California’s tax rate is 13.3%, while New York’s tax rate is 10.9%.
State property tax: New York state has the sixth-highest property tax in the country — at 1.60%, which translates to an annual average of $6,450 for the median-value home. California ranks 35th in the country at 0.71%, with an average of $4,926 annually for a median home.
Groceries: Groceries are 5% higher than the national average in New York, compared to 8% higher than the national average in LA.
Gas: Gas is more expensive in California as a whole, and Angelenos are more car-dependent. In December 2024, the average gas price in LA was $4.433. During that same time, the average gas price in the New York City area was $3.188.
Utilities: Utilities can be pricier in California, too. In 2024, the average monthly electricity bill in California was $160.86, compared to $139.53 in the state of New York.
Rent: Renting is generally far more expensive in NYC vs. LA. The average one-bedroom apartment in New York costs $3,499 a month, whereas the average rent for a one-bed in LA is only $2,100 a month.
Home Prices: LA and NYC both have expensive home markets — with NYC at about $800K and LA over $900K. But even though LA is pricier on paper, its market is trending down, while NYC home prices continue to rise.
Is it cheaper to live in LA or NYC? While both cities are expensive, the overall cost of living in Los Angeles is slightly lower than the NYC cost of living. Although state income tax and gas prices might be higher in California, people in LA may spend a lot less of their take-home pay on rent.
Ready to make the move to LA? Get a fast, free quote from Colonial. |
LA vs. NYC: Other Things to Keep in Mind
Lifestyle is an important factor to consider if you’re planning on moving to LA from NYC. Los Angeles has a much more laid-back pace compared to the energy of New York, and it comes with its own unique idiosyncrasies. Here are some of the things you can expect while living in Los Angeles.
You’ll Need To Get A Driver’s License
Los Angeles has a reputation for being a city where nobody walks, and it’s true. Because the city is so spread out, a car isn’t a luxury — it’s a must.
Also keep in mind that LA traffic can be brutal — the city has the third worst traffic in the country — but you can avoid the worst of it once you learn the peak hours, traffic trends, and back streets in your new city.
Los Angeles Has a Desert Climate
On average, Los Angeles gets 284 days of sunshine a year, with just 16 inches of rain, and no snow. That desert climate means that even though the days are hot, the nights can get chilly. In the spring, LA is known for its “June Gloom,” when mornings are often overcast and cool before the sun breaks through later in the day.
The Tacos Are Unbeatable
When it comes to LA vs. NYC in terms of the food scene, there’s no clear winner. New York crushes it when it comes to carbs — the pizza and bagels are world famous. But the Mexican food in Los Angeles has the East Coast beat by a mile. Street taco trucks are an institution, and places like “Taco Row” on Olympic Boulevard are a must-try.
Los Angeles Is for Hikers
Los Angeles is a city where people will drive to take a walk. The hills offer many hiking trails — and gorgeous views of the city where you can see just how sprawling LA really is. Hiking trails like Runyon Canyon, Fryman Canyon, and Solstice Canyon are a few beloved spots for locals.
Los Angeles Is Not Hollywood
LA both is and isn’t an industry town. Los Angeles is still the entertainment capital of the world, and the city sees a regular influx of transplants following their dreams. But while you might end up in the carpool lane with the star of your favorite show, there’s a lot more to Los Angeles than Hollywood. Aerospace and defense, technology, tourism, and health are all top industries.
LA Neighborhoods Have Everything — From Sand to Suburbs
While LA has a reputation for being beachy, the neighborhoods are actually quite diverse! LA is a sprawling city with over 500 distinct neighborhoods, each with a very different vibe. For instance, Santa Monica is laid-back and beachy, perfect for those who want to wake up and hit the waves on a surfboard.
Downtown LA is more urban and walkable, and it might be fitting for someone who’s homesick for New York — especially since the neighborhood often doubles for NYC in the movies.
The suburb of Pasadena is quieter, making it a great place for someone looking to buy a house and raise a family. If you’re looking for the right area for you, check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
What’s the Real Cost of Moving from NYC to LA?
If you’re moving from NYC to LA, you have to factor in more than just the cost of living in Los Angeles. There’s also the cost of moving itself.
How much does it cost to move from NYC to LA? The actual moving costs will differ based on the specifics of your move. How much stuff you’re moving, the time of year, and the neighborhoods you’re moving between, and which moving service you choose will all factor into the final price tag.
If you’re looking to hire a full-service moving company to move you from New York City to Los Angeles, you can expect to pay $6,000-$7,000 for full-service movers for the average two-bedroom home, but pricing can vary significantly depending on how much stuff you’re moving, the time of year, and other details.
Top Options for Moving From NYC to LA
There are two main options when moving from NYC to LA. You can go the DIY route of moving by renting a truck, or you can hire full-service movers to help ease some of the stress. We’ll go through the pros and cons of both.
Renting a Truck
The more affordable moving option — but also the less convenient — is to hire a rental truck, which you would pack up and drive cross-country yourself. This method offers more flexibility and more control. However, loading all of your things, then driving a rental truck for such a long distance can be nerve-racking, time-consuming, and physically demanding.
Full-Service Movers
Your other option when moving from NYC to LA is to hire a full-service company to take care of packing, hauling, and transporting your belongings for you. Expert movers know how to pack and load items with care, and the damage coverage if something does go wrong means there’s less to worry about. While this method is more expensive, it can ease the stress of long-distance moving and give you time to focus on the rest of your to-do list.
Make Moving from NYC to LA a Reality
When it comes to NYC vs. LA, both cities have a lot to offer, but moving to LA from NYC offers the luxury of living a laid-back lifestyle while still having the perks of a major city — which could be a welcome change.
Once you’ve decided moving from NYC to LA is right for you, it’s time to plan your move. Colonial Van Lines has over 50 years of experience in long-distance relocations, completing more than 12,000 moves annually. Our team of professional movers are specially trained to pack and load your belongings securely and ensure everything arrives safely at your new LA home.
Get a fast, free moving quote today.