California vs New York: Cost of Living
Side-by-side comparison · 2023 Census ACS & Tax Foundation data
California
- Median Home
- $695,400
- Median Rent
- $1,956/mo
- Median Income
- $96,334
- Income Tax
- 13.3%
New York
- Median Home
- $403,000
- Median Rent
- $1,576/mo
- Median Income
- $84,578
- Income Tax
- 10.9%
| Category | California | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $695,400 | $403,000 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,956/mo | $1,576/mo |
| Median Household Income | $96,334 | $84,578 |
| Per Capita Income | $47,977 | $49,520 |
| Unemployment Rate | 6.4% | 6.2% |
| Poverty Rate | 12.0% | 13.7% |
| Avg Commute | 29.8 min | 28.2 min |
| Taxes | ||
| State Income Tax (top rate) | 13.3% | 10.9% |
| Total Sales Tax | 8.7% | 8.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 0.7% | 1.7% |
Green = better value for that metric. Data from 2023 Census ACS 5-Year Estimates and Tax Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California or New York cheaper to live in?
Based on median home values, New York is more affordable. California's median home value is $695,400 vs New York's $403,000. However, income levels also matter — California's median household income is $96,334 while New York's is $84,578.
Does California or New York have lower income taxes?
New York has a lower top state income tax rate. California: 13.3%, New York: 10.9%.
What is the difference in cost of living between California and New York?
Median home values differ by $292,400. Median rents differ by $380/mo. Median incomes: California $96,334, New York $84,578.