New York City or Los Angeles: An Honest Comparison of Culture and Cost For 2024

Trying to pick between New York City or Los Angeles for your next vacation? Let me help you out.

New York City and Los Angeles are basically the two most famous cities in the US. They’re both major hubs when it comes to history, culture, art, and nature. 

Growing up in the American Southwest, I’ve always been a big fan of LA. I’ve visited the City of Angels dozens of times throughout my life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I visited NYC for the first time. Then, serendipitously, I ended up loving it so much that I moved here. 

I’ve now lived in NYC for several years and I still love visiting LA. It’s too bad the cities are on opposite sides of the country from each other, otherwise, I’d be city-hopping between each place on a monthly basis!

It can be tough picking between NYC and LA for your next trip because, while both cities have a lot in common, they’re also very different. 

Let’s get into the key similarities and differences between each city, including the cost, weather, food, and culture. That way, you can decide between New York City or Los Angeles for your next vacay.

New York City or Los Angeles: Which City Is Better?

NYC and LA are two very different places. So, when it comes to deciding which city is better, it ultimately depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a vacation. 

New York City offers a fast-paced, bustling atmosphere with endless entertainment and cultural opportunities. 

One of the main reasons I love living in NYC is the four distinct seasons: blossoming spring, warm summers, colorful falls, and chilly winters. 

I lived in Arizona for 10 years, and the weather there is very similar to LA. It’s warm, sunny, and beautiful all the time. This is fantastic for a vacation, but it can get a little boring if you live there for a long time.

There’s a myth that New York doesn’t have a lot of green spaces. It’s called the Concrete Jungle, after all. But this simply isn’t true. NYC is home to almost 2,000 parks. I myself live next to a 67-acre park and a 197-acre park, neither of which is the famous Central Park.

Los Angeles offers a more laid-back vibe compared to the fast-paced energy of New York City. 

With its stunning weather year-round, LA is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is renowned for its beautiful beaches, picturesque hikes in the nearby hills, and iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. 

Whether you’re catching waves in Malibu, exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Silver Lake and Venice Beach, or enjoying a hike in Runyon Canyon, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in Los Angeles.

New York City or Los Angeles Key Differences

New York City and Los Angeles might be the most well-known cities in the US, but they’re very different from each other. Let’s dive into the key differences between the two places.

Cost & Prices

New York City tends to be more expensive overall, especially when it comes to accommodation, dining out, and entertainment. However, Los Angeles isn’t far behind, particularly in terms of housing costs and certain luxury experiences.

Accommodation

Both cities offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. However, New York City’s hotel prices tend to be higher on average compared to Los Angeles.

Rent

If you’re choosing between New York City or Los Angeles to move to and you’re wondering which place has the cheaper rent, you’ll probably want to pick LA.

Rent prices in New York City are notoriously high, making it one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in. Los Angeles also has high rental costs, but they are generally slightly lower than those in NYC.

You’ll end up getting a bigger apartment for less in LA, compared to NYC. 

But that’s not to say it’s impossible to find affordable living in New York. When Mikey and I moved here, we found a beautiful apartment big enough for us and our two dogs in Upper Manhattan for slightly more than what we were paying in Phoenix.

Transportation

Don’t even think about getting a car in NYC if you’re just visiting. New York has a highly efficient public transportation system, including subways, buses, and taxis, which makes getting around the city easy and affordable. 

The only reason it makes sense to have a car in New York is if you live here and you take lots of day trips out of the city. Even then, it may not make sense. 

Mikey and I ended up selling our car after we moved here because it’s just easier not having one. Between spending hours looking for street parking to having to watch out for thieves looking to steal car parts, it’s much easier and cheaper to use public transit and simply renting a car when taking trips out of town.

In contrast, Los Angeles is more spread out and relies heavily on cars. In LA, you can’t rely on public transit, and you have to have a car, even if you’re just visiting. 

The surplus of cars can be a problem in LA and it often leads to traffic congestion and higher transportation costs.

Entertainment

New York City is known for its world-class entertainment options, including Broadway shows, museums, art galleries, and iconic landmarks. Los Angeles offers its own unique entertainment experiences, such as Hollywood tours, celebrity sightings, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.

Weather

When it comes to picking a spot for a vacation, you can’t beat the weather in LA. 

The average high temperature in Los Angeles is 80°F, with the average low temperature hovering around 60°F. Meanwhile, NYC can get as low as 8°F and as high as 97°F, on average.

When visiting Los Angeles, you’re more than likely going to get bright, sunshiny days. Whereas, when you visit New York, there’s a chance it will be sunny, rainy, snowy, or humid, depending on the time of year you visit.

That said, if you don’t care about sunny weather, you might love the weather in New York. I especially love the weather here in the fall because the air is crisp and the trees have changed into beautiful fall colors.

Food

New York City is known for its unparalleled culinary scene. NYC has a reputation for featuring a diverse array of restaurants offering everything from street food to Michelin-starred fine dining. 

As someone who has lived in NYC for multiple years and who gets bored eating the same things over and over again, I can attest to this. 

But Los Angeles also has a thriving, diverse food scene. And while LA has a reputation for fresh, locally sourced, healthy ingredients, you can also find that in New York.

Overall, I’d say the two cities are comparable when it comes to the kind of food you can get and the price you’ll get it.

Culture

The difference between New York City and Los Angeles culture couldn’t be more different. Take a look:

New York City

The first time I visited New York City, I’d already been to more than a dozen countries outside of the USA. Visiting NYC for the first time felt a lot like visiting another country. It’s so different from anything I knew growing up in the American Southwest. 

Mikey and I often joke with each other that each little neighborhood in the city feels like its own state while NYC itself is a lot like its own country. 

New York feels a lot like another country because it’s a melting pot of cultures. It’s full of vibrant neighborhoods representing communities from around the world. 

There are more than 800 languages spoken here and it has become one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world. This is because NYC has long been an immigration hub in the US, and the influence of those who have moved here has influenced the art, music, cuisine, and political landscape of the city.

Beyond the diversity, NYC is known for its artistic innovation, including visual arts, dance, music, film, and theater. The city is also home to famous historical landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is similarly diverse, with a rich cultural tapestry that includes influences from Mexico, Asia, and beyond. There are more than 200 languages spoken here and the city is adorned with sprawling neighborhoods that retain their status as ethnic enclaves.

LA is known first and foremost for its television and film industry in Hollywood. The city also has some of the best museums in the country (as does NYC). 

But it’s also got something NYC does not: theme parks. Home to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and more, LA is the place to be if you’re looking for roller coasters and thrilling rides.

New York is one of the business capitals of the world. People there are always busy and doing what they can to make the big bucks. In contrast, LA has a much slower culture. 

Here, you can be a beach bum and spend your days catching waves. New York has beaches, too. But there, it’s a place you visit in the summer. In LA, it’s a lifestyle.

Size & Geography

New York City is densely populated and geographically compact, with skyscrapers dominating the skyline and limited green space. In contrast, Los Angeles is sprawling and spread out, with a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, as well as beautiful beaches and mountains.

New York City is made up of five boroughs within an area spanning roughly 300 square miles, teeming with a population of around 8.4 million inhabitants.

Situated at the convergence of the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean, NYC is surrounded by water. But it’s not the clear blue waters of the Pacific like you’d find in LA. Nevertheless, the city offers awe-inspiring vistas from its towering skyscrapers and along the Hudson River, with sunsets that rival any other metropolis.

NYC is built on a grid system, which makes getting around the city easy, even if you’re not using the subway.

Los Angeles sprawls across a vast expanse of over 502 square miles. But while it’s almost double the size of NYC, LA is home to about half as many people: approximately 3.8 million residents. 

The city is made up of mountain ranges, interspersed with undulating hills and valleys, and situated on the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

LA has clashing street grids which turn the streets into a labyrinth. With minimal public transport, you’ll need both a car and a GPS to get around this city.

Safety

Safety should always be top of mind when visiting a big city, whether you’re visiting London, Sydney, New York City, or Los Angeles.

Both New York City and Los Angeles are generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, they have their share of crime and safety concerns. It’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded tourist areas and at night.

In recent years, both LA and NYC have witnessed significant improvements in crime rates, with NYC transitioning from its once-notorious status as a high-crime locale to being regarded as one of the safest large cities in the world.

Statistically, NYC is safer than LA. But that’s not to say that LA is a dangerous place to visit.

LA has a varied mix of neighborhoods, ranging from safe havens to areas with higher crime rates, just like NYC. While safety remains a non-issue in tourist hotspots, vigilance is still advised in certain pockets of the city.

Pickpockets are especially notorious in highly populated areas in NYC like in Times Square or on the Subway. So make sure you keep an eye on your valuables.

Travel Tip: Pack an anti-theft bag like this one whenever you visit a big city. They can’t be slashed by pickpockets so they’re a safer place to keep your valuables.

Beyond crime, the two cities face distinct natural disaster risks. LA contends with the looming threats of earthquakes, wildfires, and sporadic mudslides, owing to its location along the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire.

Meanwhile, NYC often sees storms like hurricanes, floods, and snowstorms.

Personally, I’m a female traveler who feels safe in both NYC and LA, even when I travel alone. Just like anywhere else, make sure you adhere to basic safety precautions and keep your wits about you and you’ll be okay.

NYC: Best Things To Do 

There are a ton of fun things to do in NYC. Here are some of my favorites:

✔️Empire State Building

If there’s one thing every person needs to do when they visit New York City, it’s go to the top of the Empire State Building. 

From the 86th floor, you’ll get to see the most amazing views of the city.

You can even take a glass elevator up to the 102nd floor where you’ll get 360° views of Manhattan.

✔️Statue of Liberty and NYC Skyline Cruise

Another item on the top of the NYC bucket list is the Statue of Liberty. Feed two birds with one scone by hopping aboard this skyline cruise. 

Not only will you get fantastic views of Lady Liberty, but you’ll also get to see the entire skyline of NYC from the water.

✔️Visit the Met Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park

Fort Tryon Park in Upper Manhattan is my favorite park in the city. Built on top of an old Revolutionary War fort, it’s not just a beautiful park, it’s also a historical monument.

Even better, it’s home to the Met Cloisters. This is a museum in the shape of a medieval castle, and it’s where the Metropolitan Museum of Art keeps all their medieval art pieces.

Los Angeles: Best Things To Do 

There’s so much more to do in LA besides the Walk of Fame or Disneyland. Here are some of my favorite activities:

✔️Mulholland Trail Horseback Tour

Experience the breathtaking vistas of Los Angeles on horseback. 

As you trot atop the iconic Hollywood Hills, you’ll get to see the Hollywood Sign, the Pacific Ocean, downtown LA, and the snow-capped San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains. It’s a fun and unique way to get to know the city of Los Angeles.

✔️Visit the Griffith Observatory

Perched atop Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers stunning panoramic views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood Sign. 

This landmark attraction boasts fascinating exhibits on astronomy, space exploration, and the cosmos. You can also enjoy planetarium shows and telescope viewings.

✔️Climb to the top of the Hollywood Sign

Get up close and personal with the Hollywood Sign by hiking to its base.

Located on Mount Lee within Griffith Park, hiking to the sign isn’t just a workout, it’s the perfect opportunity to capture stunning pictures of the LA skyline. 

There are three routes to get there, and you can pick based on your desired activity level:

• Mt. Hollywood Trail (Easy)
• Brush Canyon Trail (Moderate)
• Cahuenga Peak Hike Trail (Difficult) 

You’ll find parking at 3200 Canyon Dr., but it’s limited, so arrive early.

FAQs

Let’s go over some frequently asked questions to help you determine where you want to visit next: New York City or Los Angeles.

Is New York City better than Los Angeles?

It depends on what you’re looking for in a vacation. New York City offers a fast-paced urban experience with endless cultural opportunities, while Los Angeles has a more laid-back vibe with beautiful weather and outdoor activities.

New York City has lots of urban entertainment options while Los Angeles has sandy beaches and desert hikes.

Is NYC or California more expensive?

New York City tends to be more expensive overall, especially when it comes to housing costs and dining out. However, certain luxury experiences in California, particularly in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, can be equally pricey.

Is LA as big as NYC?

In terms of land area, Los Angeles is much larger than New York City. In fact, it’s nearly twice the size. However, NYC has almost twice the population density and is more densely populated overall.

Do most celebrities live in LA or New York?

While both cities are popular destinations for celebrities, Los Angeles is often considered the entertainment capital of the world and is home to many celebrities, particularly those in the film and music industries. 

However, it’s also not uncommon for celebrities to have multiple homes, one in each city.

Is Los Angeles or NYC more walkable?

If you want to explore the most that you can, New York City is more walkable than Los Angeles. This is thanks to its compact layout, dense urban neighborhoods, and extensive public transportation system. 

However, certain areas of Los Angeles, such as downtown and Hollywood, are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

Is LA or NYC safer?

Like any big city, both LA and NYC have their share of crime and safety concerns. But overall, both cities are considered safe for tourists. 

It’s important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded tourist areas and at night.

Is LA or NYC more stressful?

New York City is often considered more fast-paced and stressful than Los Angeles, thanks to its crowded streets, high cost of living, and intense work culture. 

Meanwhile, parts of LA are known for its beach vibes, which include a more relaxed lifestyle. 

However, stress levels can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle choices.

Is NY A good state to live in?

New York offers a unique blend of urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural diversity, making it an attractive destination for many people. However, it also has a high cost of living, including a higher tax rate than most states, and can be crowded and hectic, particularly in cities like New York City.

Is Los Angeles a good place to live in?

Los Angeles has a lot to offer, including beautiful weather, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving entertainment industry. However, it also has high housing costs, a higher tax rate than most states, traffic congestion, and air pollution, which can detract from the overall quality of life for some residents.

Final Thoughts: NYC vs Los Angeles – Which is Better for a Trip?

Ultimately, whether you choose New York City or Los Angeles for your next trip depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to experience. 

New York City offers a fast-paced, urban adventure with endless cultural opportunities and iconic landmarks, while Los Angeles provides a more laid-back vibe with beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and entertainment. 

Whichever city you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring all that these vibrant destinations have to offer.

Read Next: Plan the PERFECT NYC itinerary with this free 4 days in New York City guide!

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