New York vs Los Angeles Travel Tossup: Which Coastal City is Better?

New York City vs Los Angeles. East Coast Beast Coast or West Coast Best Coast? That is the question. 

New York and Los Angeles are often touted as two of the most exciting places in America. Both cities offer endless opportunities for adventure, creativity, and big dreams. New York City, the city that never sleeps, is home to Broadway musicals and that iconic skyline. Los Angeles, the land of Hollywood and endless sunshine. 

But when it comes down to it, which is better to visit, New York City or Los Angeles?

As a native New York next-door neighbor (*cough New Jersey), I grew up believing NYC was the coolest place ever. But when I moved to Los Angeles in 2019, I realized I was meant to be a west coaster. These two cities may be the epitome of the American Dream, but they couldn’t be more different.

In this post, we’ll dive deep and compare the pros and cons of these two major US destinations. We’ll discuss everything that matters to you – from food and nightlife to weather and culture. So buckle up and join me to help you make the right decision for you.

Which City is Better to Visit in the USA: New York or Los Angeles?

I’m sorry, but I’m absolving my birth coast and saying that Los Angeles wins outright for me. But that’s a personal preference because I never understood the fast-paced NYC lifestyle. Ok, starting now, I’ll try to be as unbiased as possible.

When it comes to climate, things to do, or overall vibes, comparing New York City to Los Angeles is like comparing apples to oranges. 

Below, we’ll give you a detailed comparison of New York vs Los Angeles, including important variables such:

• Affordability
• Transportation
• Weather
• Food
• Culture
• Geography & Landscape
• Nightlife
• Safety

Then a short section on the best things to do.

Los Angeles vs New York Overview

From the towering skyscrapers to the no-nonsense pace of life, NYC is an enormous, exciting concrete jungle. It’s a global hub for fashion, finance, and media, with a lively nightlife scene. It’s the perfect destination for a fast-paced, cosmopolitan experience full of iconic American landmarks. 

Travel Tip! Although most people associate New York City only with Manhattan, NYC actually comprises five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. In fact, Manhattan is the smallest of these five.

Jumping to the other coast, Los Angeles, the world’s entertainment capital, offers a different type of excitement. Known for its relaxed, laid-back vibe, the city perfectly reflects California’s easy-going culture. 

Here, you can take a surfing lesson next to a gnarly dude who doubles as a millionaire CEO or escape into the California desert to Yosemite, Death Valley, or Joshua Tree National Park.

Key Differences Between New York City vs Los Angeles

Costs & Prices: Is NYC expensive or LA?

I’ve had the privilege of living in both cities (ok, well, suburbs of one) and want to share my perspective on their affordability. While both costs of living are above the national average by a lot, Los Angeles wins in terms of affordability. 

Cost of Accommodation

Regarding accommodation, both cities are known for their high rents, high property values, and expensive hotels. However, Los Angeles is generally more affordable than New York City. 

Since LA has a car culture, you can save money by staying in a less expensive neighborhood like Koreatown since you will probably be renting a car to travel around anyway. Conversely, in NYC, you’ll likely stay in Manhattan, where even the less expensive areas are costly. But, at least you won’t need to spend money on renting a car.

While you can expect the cheapest hostels in LA to start at around $25, dorm beds start at a minimum of $60 – $80 in Manhattan. The average price of accommodation in NY is a whopping 235$ to its west coast rival at 150$ per night.

Cost of Food

Both cities have endless types of dining experiences, with a strong street food culture to the most luxurious upscale dining establishments. According to Numbeo, the average food expense for a mid-range restaurant for two is 100$ for both cities. And even at a fast-casual place, it’s rare to find anything less than 13 $ or so.

Cost of Transportation

In terms of transportation, Los Angeles has a notorious reputation for traffic and lack of public transport. So you’ll have to rent a car or turn to rideshare services, which quickly add up.

New York City has an extensive public transportation system that is affordable and accessible. A single ride on NYC’s subway system is currently $2.75, compared to LA’s Metro system $1.75 (but it barely takes you places).

Cost of Tourist Activities

Popular tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building can be quite expensive, with tickets averaging $25-$40 per person, but there are many free things to do in NYC as well. On the other hand, many of Los Angeles’ top attractions, like Venice Beach and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, are free. However, theme parks such as Universal Studios and Disneyland cost more than $100 per person.

Transportation & Ease Of Travel

New York City has one of the country’s most reliable and extensive public transportation systems. The subway system alone has 472 stations and 28 different lines covering a distance of over 660 miles, making it easy to get around the city quickly and affordably. 

Tip! Avoid rush hour if you can. It can get so crowded and smell terrible.

But honestly, most people just walk. I’m still amazed when my friends don’t even hesitate to walk 40 minutes each way for a restaurant reservation.

Los Angeles, on the other hand, has a newer and less extensive public transportation system. The Metro system includes buses and light rail trains, with less frequent service, covering less ground.

Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic jams, but it is also truly horrible in New York. While it totes an excellent public transportation system, rush hour times can reach a complete standstill due to tunnels, bridges, and slow trucks on narrow one-way streets.

For both cities, good luck getting into the city on weekdays between 7 am – 10 am or leaving the city from 3 pm – 7 pm.

Also, you should not rent a car in Manhattan because, aside from the high rental costs, parking for one hour in a garage can be 25$ per hour! Getting a street parking spot is like winning the lottery there. 

Weather

LA is going to have to win this one again. The tri-state area has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and snowy. 

The best time to visit is the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and comfortable, and the floral blossoms or fall foliage colors are worth visiting for.

Southern California’s climate is semi-arid, meaning it has hot summers, mild winters, and low rainfall. However, places like DTLA and Van Nuys can be up to 10 degrees hotter in the summer due to trapped hot air. So, many people head to the beach or mountains for cooler temperatures. Because of the desert, you may be on the beach during the day, but the winter months sees some cold nights. 

California Wildfire Season

Every summer, you may hear in the news of the terrible California wildfires. The entire state experiences a wildfire season that runs from mid-summer to November. High temperatures, strong winds, and drought-like conditions increase the risk, which spreads quickly and is difficult to control. 

If you’re coming to California during this time, stay informed about any fires in your area. And be prepared for bad air pollution, or it putting a damper in your National Park plans. 

Is air quality worse in LA or NYC?

Air quality and pollution are definitely worse in Los Angeles than it is in New York City. Los Angeles has an air pollution problem due to its proximity to the mountains and the abundance of cars on the roads. The city also gets trapped smog, which can sometimes cause breathing difficulties for sensitive individuals. That said, the levels of ozone are may be higher in the summer months in NYC.

Food: Does LA have better food than New York?

The food is to die for in both cities. I’ve once heard that there are so many restaurants in NYC, trying them all is impossible. By the time you finish, there will be too many new ones.

The east coast is a bit more old-school, being famous for its classic and comfort food. Soak up the late-night alc with $1 NYC pizza by the slice. Or stop for other classics like New York bagels, a pastrami sandwich from a Jewish deli, or authentic Italian sausage dishes. 

Editor’s Choice NYC Restaurant: One of my favorite restaurants in the world? Kimika, an Italian-Asian fusion place! Have you ever heard of such a combo?

Los Angeles has a diverse food scene, heavily influenced by its proximity to Mexico. It’s a melting pot of cultures and flavors, with crazy fusions and a heavy focus on health and wellness. 

If you are in Los Angeles, join a food tour to Grand Central Market, which encompasses more than 30 vendors, ranging from tacos to donuts. For a memorable burger experience, drop by In-N-Out Burgers, a fast-food chain that has become the quintessential California burger.

Editor’s Choice LA Restaurant: One of my other favorite restaurants is Destroyer, a lunch spot led by a Michelin chef where the menu changes every few months. Sometimes, the food even comes out looking like a house plant.

Culture

New Yorkers are known for their assertive and straightforward approach, and the city itself, very fast-paced. You know, Wolf of Wall Street investment bankers way of life. On the other hand, LA locals value health and wellness paired with an easy-going attitude, but no less ambitious. 

Both large cities have pockets of small communities, usually defined by race, like Chinatowns, Koreatowns, and the list goes on for every region of the world. But in New York, it feels like you might actually run into them again. 

One of the most striking differences is their countering artistic cultures. The art scene in New York City is known for its involvement in innovative and groundbreaking movements and closely identifies with jazz and hip-hop. Los Angeles tends to focus on contemporary or pop art and has been central in the development of rock, pop, and rap. But they both have a headbanging underground warehouse techno scene!

Finally, the words to describe fashion in the Big Apple would be “sophisticated” and “high-end,” aka a lot of black trenchcoats. In comparison, Los Angeles focuses on more comfortable clothing, aka eye-popping colors and 100$ sweatpants. 

Geography & Landscape

Architecture and City Planning

Towering skyscrapers, charming brownstones, and historic structures define New York City’s architecture. The city’s skyline showcases iconic buildings such as the Empire State Building and One World Trade Center. Additionally, the city’s urban planning involves a well-organized grid system that makes it easy for both locals and tourists to navigate. 

Sprawling suburbs, mid-century modernism, and Spanish and Mexican influences dominate Los Angeles’ architecture. The city is crawling with Hollywood-style mansions and has unique buildings, such as the Broad Museum and the Disney Concert Hall. Los Angeles’ city planning centers around driving and lacks an organized street grid.

Natural Environment

New York City features a varied natural environment, with Central Park providing a refreshing escape from the city’s urban core, and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Hudson River. Many plan getaways to Long Island beaches or New England destinations like upstate New York, Maine, or Massachusetts.

Palm trees, beaches, and enveloping hillsides define Los Angeles. Natural landmarks such as the Hollywood Hills provide a scenic backdrop for the city skyline, while the beaches provide a perfect spot to relax and fun outdoor activities. Or, just drive an hour out and ride an ATV in the remote California desert. 

Nightlife in NYC vs Los Angeles

The nightlife scene in both cities is loud, energetic, and never-ending. These cities are awash with underground speakeasies, rooftop lounges, cozy bars, live music, burlesque shows, to raging nightclubs with the hottest DJ’. Anything you want, you can find, at all hours if you look hard enough.

Popular New York City Party Areas: 

• East Village/Lower East Side (High Density of Nightlife Places)
• Hell’s Kitchen (More Upscale)
• Williamsburg & Bushwick, Brooklyn (Warehouse Raves & Great Bars/Clubs)

Popular Los Angeles Party Areas: 

• WeHo, aka West Hollywood (LGBTQ+ Bars & Clubs)
• Venice Beach (Open-Air Bars & Chiller Lounges)
• DTLA (Literally Everything)
• Warehouse Area near Skidrow (Underground Raves & Afterparties)
• Mansion Parties (for the rich & the famous, or the lucky)
• Koreatown (Karaoke Bars)

Safety & Crime: Is it safer in LA or NYC?

In the past, New York City had a reputation as a high-crime city, but it has significantly decreased since the 90s. Growing up, we were always on alert anywhere in Brooklyn, Bronx, and Harlem. But many neighborhoods in those areas are trendy now. 

According to Forbes, NYC is recognized as one of the safest big cities in the US. Of course, like in any city, there are always areas to avoid still. 

The same can be said for LA. Many neighborhoods are beautiful and put together, and some not so much. In both places, theft is more of an issue than violent crimes. 

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York City:

• Brownsville, East Brooklyn 
• Hunt’s Point & Mott Haven, South Bronx
• East Harlem
• Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Los Angeles:

• DTLA
• West Adams
• Warehouse District/Skid Row
• Compton
• North Hollywood

Tips for Staying Safe

While both cities are relatively safe, I must say that most countries I visit are generally safer than the United States. Here are some tips for staying safe in Los Angeles and New York City:

• Avoid dangerous neighborhoods, such as the ones mentioned above. And definitely don’t go walking around by yourself at night. 
• Keep your valuables close and avoid flashing expensive items.
• It sucks, since I just walk home in places like Bangkok after a party. But here, use transportation services such as taxis, Uber, or public transit rather than walking alone.

Is NYC dirtier than LA?

As far as I can tell, New York City is definitely a lot more filthy and grimy than Los Angeles. The combination of wet winter weather and high population density means it will be dirtier than most places in the country. Also, the trash pickup system is just leaving it on the sidewalk every day. Rats love it here. 

Are there more homeless in LA than NYC?

No. According to recent statistics, New York City has 69,000 homeless persons compared to Los Angeles’s total of 38,000. Both cities obviously struggle with a large homeless population, but if you look at this per capita, it’s actually a somewhat similar rate. 

New York City: Best Things To Do

If you’re in the Big Apple for the first time, stick to Manhattan. There’s so much to see, even just staying in one borough. So, although not necessarily my favorites, here are a few famous places I take my friends when they visit.

 √ Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is such an iconic American symbol, I feel an obligation to put it on here. It’s the embodiment of the American Dream, so much so that we had field trips as kids to visit.

You can take a ferry to Liberty Island and climb to the top of the statue for views of the city skyline. Then visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and Battery Park.

Tip: Don’t forget to book your tickets to visit the crown of the statue in advance.

👉 Combine a trip to the Statue of Liberty , Wall Street, and the 911 Memorial on this tour here

 √ Central Park

You probably know of Central Park, a massive park in the heart of Manhattan. It features lakes, gardens, and countless scenic spots for picnics. You can bike, hike, or ride a horse carriage around the park. Visitors can ice skate in the winter, while great concerts and events are held in the summer.

The park is enormous, and although it is lovely to stroll within, plenty of museums surround Central Park. Go live your own “Night at the Museum” at the American Museum of Natural History, or if you’re into art, visit the MET. 

👉 Tramp Around Central Park on your NYC Horse Carriage Here

 √ Times Square

I also can’t leave off Times Square, famous for its bright lights, giant electronic billboards, and being the busiest pedestrian intersection in the city. Every year, my mom and I have a tradition of seeing a Broadway show and a nice meal in a sea of shops and restaurants in the area. 

Other places like Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, and Bryant Park are just a short walk or one subway stop away. Despite being one of the city’s most famous views, I never coughed up the money and time it takes to get to the top of the Empire State Building. 

👉 Pick One of the Many Broadway Shows that are Always Running in Times Square Here

 √ The Highline & Little Island

This area might be one of my favorites. The Highline is a historic park built on an abandoned elevated railway track, and it stretches 1.45 miles from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street in Hudson Yards. This park’s walking paths overlook the city’s streets, passing impressive real estate properties right by the Little Island.

The Little Island is a new public park that opened in May 2021. Its design is one-of-a-kind, featuring an architectural park as if floating above the Hudson River. The park is adorned with gardens and impressive views of the city skyline and performances in the Amphitheater.

👉 Stroll along the Highline into one of the Strangest Architecture Buildings in the City, the Vessel on this Walking Tour

Los Angeles: Best Things To Do

√ Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a famous Los Angeles landmark that has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows. Within the museum, you can engage with interactive exhibits and telescopes or attend a planetarium show. Sitting atop the highest point of Griffith Park, the observatory offers stunning city views.

👉Hike the Hollywood Sign on this Walking Tour, one of the most iconic things to do in LA

√ Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a 100-year-old historic landmark built above the Pacific Ocean. It includes an amusement park, an aquarium, restaurants, and shops. You can watch the sunset or enjoy free live music at its numerous events.

👉Join this full-say Iconic Sights of LA, including sunny beaches, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Griffith Park. Basically, all the places I bring friends when they come to visit me.

√ Universal Studios Hollywood

LA is no stranger to amusement parks with Disneyland, Six Flags, Legoland, etc. But Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that combines a theme park and a working film studio in the San Fernando Valley. 

Enjoy behind-the-scenes studio tours, thrilling attractions, and live shows featuring your favorite movies and TV shows. It’s an excellent option for families or anyone seeking a fun day out, with ticket prices starting at $109 per person.

👉 Buy your Universal Studios ticket here. Or if you’re looking to skip the lines, get this one

Final Thoughts: New York City vs Los Angeles

In conclusion, both New York City and Los Angeles offer unique experiences that are well worth exploring. New York City is a bustling metropolis with iconic landmarks, top-rated entertainment, and endless cultural opportunities. On the other hand, Los Angeles’s laid-back vibe, gorgeous beaches, and stunning natural landscape make it another must-see destination.

There are pros and cons to both cities, but ultimately, the experience you want to have will determine which one is a better fit for you.

As for me, I have a personal preference for Los Angeles. Its energy, diversity, and weather make it an unparalleled destination. However, regardless of personal preferences, whether you choose to visit New York City or Los Angeles, you’ll be in for a fantastic experience. So, start planning your trip today and discover the city that is calling your name.

And if you’re deciding between two west coast rivals, check out this post comparing San Francisco vs Los Angeles!