Is New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

New York, NY leaves you more: $14,989/yr. On $120,000, New York, NY leaves $45,819/yr in pocket (state tax $8,220, housing $36,381) vs Los Angeles, CA's $30,830 (state tax $11,160, housing $48,430).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (New York: 6.85% vs California: 9.30%) and housing.

WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA

New York, NY vs Los Angeles, CA: cost of living on $120,000

New York, NY +$14,989/yr On $120,000, New York, NY leaves $45,819/yr in pocket vs Los Angeles, CA's $30,830 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	New York, NY	Los Angeles, CA
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$8,220 (6.85%)	$11,160 (9.30%)
After-tax income	$82,200	$79,260
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$36,381	$48,430
Real money in pocket	$45,819	$30,830

Verified 2026-06-23 · State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is New York, NY or Los Angeles, CA cheaper?: On $120,000, New York, NY — by $14,989/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (New York 6.85% vs California 9.30%) and housing cost.

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