Moving from New York to Los Angeles: From the Subways to the 405 (and Never Looking Back)

Are you trading the bustling subway of New York City for the sunny coastal vibes of Los Angeles? Long-distance moving is an exciting leap, and the Pacific breezes will make it feel worth it. When moving from New York to Los Angeles, there’s a lot to prepare for and plenty to get excited about, like new lifestyle and cost of living changes. This guide will explore the major differences between these iconic U.S. cities, including weather, public transportation, tax burden, and specific tips for moving to the West Coast from NYC.

What should you expect from the West Coast’s most famous city? Moving to Los Angeles probably won’t be exactly what you expect, because much of what we see on TV or in movies reflects a very narrow picture of LA life. Excitingly, there’s much more to living in LA once you get beyond the beach.

Cost of Living Is Far Cheaper in LA vs. NYC

Depending on which city you’re moving from, your living expenses might decrease or increase. Compared to the national average, the cost of living is about 61.7 percent higher in LA, mostly due to housing prices being 133 percent above the national average.

However, NYC is more expensive overall at 72.5 percent above the rest of the U.S., where housing is 398 percent higher, utilities are 14 percent more, and groceries are 13 percent more. You may also experience a reduction in everyday expenses, including your housing costs being in LA. Also anticipate spending more on transportation moving from New York to Los Angeles, as you may burn a lot of gas in city traffic.

Move to the West Coast Where Rents Are Far Lower

You may end up paying half of what you would for a one-bedroom apartment living in LA vs. NYC. Because LA is so large, there is a lot of diversity in the neighborhoods, giving you plenty of options for what you are willing to pay based on what’s nearby. While Los Angeles proper is about 500 square miles, Los Angeles County is over 4,000 square miles!

Moving From New York to Los Angeles Changes Your Tax Situation

When looking at the cost of living, NYC vs. LA differs greatly in part because of its state and city tax brackets and ranges. Los Angeles has a progressive state income tax structure, with some of the highest percentages you’ve likely seen. However, there are no city-level taxes. In NYC, you’ll get hit with both, even though the state taxes are slightly lower on the higher end.

During summer months, average high temperatures in LA are in the low to mid 70s, with ocean breezes (if you’re close to the coast).

The Weather Is Everything You’ve Dreamed It Is

If you’re moving from the East Coast, LA weather is going to be a breath of fresh air. During summer months, average high temperatures are in the low to mid 70s, with ocean breezes if you’re close to the coast. In the dead of winter? Average high temperatures in January in Los Angeles hover around a balmy 68 degrees. While there are exceptions (the Valley, shielded from the cooling Pacific, can be 10 degrees hotter than more coastal areas), for the most part the weather in Los Angeles is heavenly.

But wait for the first rainstorm. You might be amused to find people staring out windows, asking if you want to cancel plans, and displaying general wariness about going outside. Cut Angelenos some slack, though. Rain is extremely rare, so most aren’t used to driving in it and don’t think much about rain gear.

Relocating to the West Coast Changes Transportation Options

When picking between Los Angeles or New York based on transportation options, some may choose the Big Apple because of its public transit. You don’t need a car in NYC, but you will need one in LA because it is so massive (city sprawl is quite the beast to contend with). Before choosing your neighborhood, take note of how easy it is to reach major thoroughfares and its proximity to the places you need to go, like work or school. Otherwise, three work weeks of your year could be in a car.

Does LA have public transportation? Yes — they even have one of the largest transit systems in the country. Although LA has a subway system, people don’t use it as they do in NYC. While Metro covers a decent amount of the more centrally located Los Angeles neighborhoods, there are only two lines. Still, there’s also a light rail above ground and an extensive bus system. But while there’s plenty of transit available, particularly in more central neighborhoods, just 6.8 percent of residents currently opt for public transit for their commute. There are a host of reasons for this, from timeliness to crowding, but much of it boils down to what’s familiar.

There’s More to LA Than Just the Beach

Relocating to LA allows you to discover the other side of it beyond its silver screen-perfect coastline:

• Pace of life: NYC can be relentless, and Angelenos enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere — with the sheer size of the city, you’ll find that fast-paced is divvied up by neighborhood.
• Diverse neighborhoods: The differences between places like Malibu and Calabasas show how communities in LA range, including coastal towns, hidden inland gems, and global culinary hubs.
• Natural beauty: The ocean is beautiful, but there are also hiking trails and gorgeous parks.

For help figuring out which community is the best fit for you, check out our guide to Los Angeles neighborhoods.

Tips for Moving From New York to Los Angeles

For those readers who need tips for moving cross-country from America’s largest city (NYC) to America’s second-largest city (LA), there are a few specifics you might want to know about how to move from the East Coast to the West Coast as gracefully as possible.

1. Research Neighborhoods To Find Your Ideal Vibe

Moving from NYC to LA can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with how the neighborhoods are laid out and what they are known for. For the best overall neighborhood, you want City Center, Mid-City, or Ocean Park.

Parents will want to look into Sherman Oaks and Culver City for family-friendly neighborhoods in Los Angeles. If affordability is a concern, then the East Valley and Casa Bonita are known for their low cost of living.

Young professionals should start applying in City Center or in other places like Carroll Park and Beverly Grove. If you’re coming from NYC and you don’t have a car, walkability is important. The most walkable neighborhoods in LA include MacArthur Park, Downtown LA, and Wilshire Center-Koreatown.

Keep what you need and love and let go of the rest.

2. Declutter Before Your Move

LA weather calls for a different wardrobe than the streets of NYC. Before making the move to the West Coast, go through your clothing and decide what to keep and what to give away. Remember that the more stuff you have to move, the more your move will cost. (And this applies to more than just your wardrobe.) Keep what you need and love and let go of the rest.

You can even sell most of your possessions if you want. If you’re young, mobile, and unattached to your furniture or other stuff, your best bet may be to sell or give away the things you own and purchase new items once you arrive in Los Angeles. While this isn’t for everyone, it could be the easiest and most cost-effective strategy. Your only expenses would be a plane ticket and shipping fees for the few crucial items coming with you.

3. Get a Cross-Country Moving Service To Help You

Let’s face it: driving thousands of miles in a giant truck isn’t for everyone. If you’d rather offload the task to a pro, consider a traditional full-service moving company or a moving and storage company. It is much easier to execute a move if you delegate the heavy lifting to someone else. Big-city, cross-country moves with PODS, especially with its City Service, reduce some of the mental strain and transportation needs you would have to take care of.

4. Transport Your Car

If you have a car in NYC, you have to figure out vehicle transportation to the City of Angels! Your options include driving it yourself or shipping it. Regardless of what you choose, you will have to register your vehicle and get a new driver's license as soon as possible. New residents of California need to get this sorted within the first 20 days of living there. Follow the DMV’s checklist for new residents to make it easy.

5. Use a Moving Checklist

Use a cross-country moving checklist when going out of state to make sure you cover the practical and administrative musts. Some of these include:

• Changing your insurance
• Getting a new doctor
• Forwarding your mail
• Registering to vote
• Transferring and canceling utilities

6. Consider NYC-Specific Obstacles

Moving out of NYC involves logistical and administrative challenges:

• Building move-out regulations: High-rises may require you to reserve the elevator well in advance, so talk to your property manager. Be sure to also research the city’s rules and regulations, and gather several recommendations from friends.
• Architectural constraints: Stairwells are narrow, door frames can be thin, and tight clearances make moving furniture difficult, requiring disassembly and smart movement.
• Curbside parking and container restrictions: NYC has strict rules for where vehicles and moving equipment can park.

Hiring professionals well-versed in regulations can help. Using PODS City Service allows you to stop worrying about parking rules and to focus more on LA coffee shops and choosing paint colors — the fun stuff!

Moving From New York to Los Angeles — FAQs

Q: Why do people move from New York to LA?
A: Moving from New York to Los Angeles is motivated by many reasons, and oftentimes, they’re personal. It could be the job opportunities, or it may be the desire to live closer to the beach. You may be sacrificing everything you love about NYC to be closer to family. The lower cost of living is a major highlight for those looking to cut housing expenses. Everyone’s move is unique, but Los Angeles has a lot to offer for everyone living there.

Q: Which is better to live in, NY or LA?
A: Ultimately, there are pros and cons to both, and it depends on your preferences. NYC is better for people who love the hustle and bustle. If you want something going on at all times, NYC is better. NYC may also have lower taxes, depending on your salary. The weather is also different. Rain and dry-summer lovers should stay there. Your public transit options are also far more accessible and normalized. Alternatively, LA is better for people who want more variety — a touch of the city and a bit of nature on the side. It is cheaper to live in the area, and you might gain more space as a result. Plus, the weather is great for people who love to see the sun.

Q: Can I live in LA on $3,000 a month?
A: A $3,000 budget would be challenging to live on in LA. One adult with no children will need around $60,000 annually, or around $5,000 a month, before taxes, to cover basic expenses comfortably. Food alone costs around $4,463 yearly, or $372 per month. If you add child care, expenses skyrocket, as this could cost around $13,191 yearly for one child, or $1,099 monthly.

Q: Is moving to Los Angeles a good idea?
A: Moving from New York to Los Angeles is a good idea if the city’s differences allow you to create a better life based on your priorities. Fortunately, it is often considered a good place to live regardless! If you’re tired of the high cost of living, then LA helps you out. And you’ll get out of the NYC rat race if you want a more balanced pace of life.

Q: How much does it cost to move from NYC to LA?
A: A studio move from NYC to LA could cost anywhere from $1,500 for a rental truck (plus fuel) to $4,000+ for professional movers. Keep in mind, this is a rough estimate. Factors like the time of year, the moving service, and how much stuff you’re transporting all have a significant effect on moving costs. For a free and accurate moving quote, call PODS at 877-350-7637.

PODS City Service is designed for big city moves.

Moving to the West Coast With PODS

Moving from New York to Los Angeles is a huge change. From weather to traffic to lifestyle, many things are different on opposite coasts. Make your move to Los Angeles flexible with PODS portable moving containers, especially when one month’s storage is included in the cost of every move. PODS City Service offers containerized moving for big-city moves, where PODS brings the container on a truck for convenient street-side loading with a hydraulic lift. All driving is done by the experts. Additionally, PODS can refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25.

(Source for image featured at top: RDNE Stock project via Pexels)

Peter Chambers is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to the PODS Blog. When he's not writing about evidence-based design and home improvement, you can find him hiking mountain trails, tending his vegetable garden, or working on projects in his woodshop.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}