Hollywood vs New York

Category / Metric	Hollywood	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$60,630	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$496,850	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$363	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,621	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	156.4	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	102.9	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.60	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	567.0	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	34.4%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	31

Hollywood vs. New York: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Let’s cut the fluff. You’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have the sun-drenched, palm-lined streets of Hollywood, California—where the dream factory churns out hits and the weather is basically a perfect 75 degrees on a bad day. On the other side, you have the concrete jungle, the city that never sleeps, the relentless energy of New York, New York.

Choosing between these two isn’t just about picking a zip code; it’s about choosing a lifestyle. One promises a laid-back, creative vibe where you can sip a cold brew on a patio in November. The other offers a fast-paced, gritty authenticity where you’ll walk more in a week than most people do in a month.

So, which one is actually for you? We’re going to break it down with hard data, insider insights, and no-nonsense verdicts. Grab your coffee (or your green juice), and let’s dive in.

The Vibe Check: Sunset Boulevard vs. Broadway

Hollywood is for the dreamers, the creatives, and the sun-worshippers. It’s a sprawling, decentralized neighborhood within the massive beast of Los Angeles. The vibe here is "laid-back meets hustle." You’ll find aspiring actors working as baristas, established writers nursing hangovers at brunch, and tourists posing with the Walk of Fame stars. It’s less of a "city" and more of a massive, car-dependent ecosystem where the beach is a 30-minute drive (in good traffic) and the mountains are your backyard. It’s the place where you can wear shorts to a business meeting and nobody bats an eye.

New York is for the hustlers, the culture vultures, and the urban warriors. It’s a vertical, vertical city—literally. The vibe is "intense, efficient, and endlessly stimulating." You don’t drive here; you walk, you take the subway, you hail a cab. Your world is a 5-block radius of your apartment, packed with the best food, art, and energy on the planet. It’s a city of transplants, where ambition is the native language and the grind is non-negotiable. It’s where you trade personal space for unparalleled access.

Who’s it for?

• Hollywood: Introverts who crave nature, creatives in film/TV/music, and anyone who believes therapy should include a daily dose of Vitamin D.
• New York: Extroverts who thrive on crowds, finance/tech/media professionals, and people who believe convenience is worth sacrificing a backyard.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just looking at raw numbers; we’re looking at purchasing power. Let’s break down the cost of living and see how a $100,000 salary feels in each city.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Hollywood, CA	New York, NY	Winner (Bang for Buck)
Median Home Price	$496,850	$875,000	Hollywood
Rent (1BR)	$1,621	$2,451	Hollywood
Housing Index	156.4 (56.4% above U.S. avg)	149.3 (49.3% above U.S. avg)	Slight edge: New York
Median Income	$60,630	$76,577	New York

The Sticker Shock Analysis:
At first glance, New York looks more expensive, and it is for housing. But Hollywood isn’t exactly a bargain. Both cities are firmly in the "ouch" category. However, the gap is significant. The median home price in New York is nearly $400,000 more than in Hollywood. A 1-bedroom apartment in NYC will cost you about $830 more per month than in Hollywood. That’s an extra $9,960 per year just for the roof over your head.

Salary Wars & The Tax Trap:
Now, let’s talk about the $100,000 salary. In New York, with a median income of $76,577, a $100k salary puts you comfortably above average. In Hollywood, where the median is $60,630, you’re a high-earner.

But here’s the killer: Taxes. California has some of the highest income taxes in the country, topping out at 13.3% for the highest earners. New York State income tax goes up to 10.9%, plus New York City adds another 3.876%. You’ll feel the pinch in both places, but California’s tax burden is notoriously heavy.

When you factor in taxes and cost of living, a $100,000 salary in Hollywood might feel like $70,000 after taxes and rent. In New York, that same $100,000 might feel like $65,000 due to higher rent and city taxes. Hollywood gives you slightly more purchasing power for your dollar, but neither is a financial paradise.

Verdict: The Dollar Power Champion
Hollywood. While both are expensive, Hollywood’s lower housing costs (both rent and purchase) give you more breathing room. You’ll get more square footage for your money, and the overall financial pressure is marginally less intense. New York’s premium is steep.

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The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting

Hollywood: The Entry-Level Dream (with a Catch)
With a median home price of $496,850, Hollywood feels almost "affordable" compared to its coastal neighbors like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. It’s a seller’s market, but there’s more inventory in this range than in Manhattan. The catch? You’re likely buying a condo or a smaller, older house that needs work. The "fixer-upper" is a common theme here. Renting is competitive, but with a median 1BR rent of $1,621, it’s a more feasible stepping stone to ownership.

New York: The Billionaire’s Playground
The median home price of $875,000 is a fiction for most. In desirable boroughs like Manhattan or Brooklyn, you’re looking at $1.2M+ for a decent 2-bedroom. The market is brutally competitive, all-cash offers are common, and co-op boards can reject you for reasons that would be illegal elsewhere. Renting is the default for 95% of young professionals. You’re not just renting an apartment; you’re renting a lifestyle and a location. The $2,451 median rent is just the starting line in prime areas.

Availability & Competition:

• Hollywood: A buyer’s market is a distant dream, but it’s not the bloodbath of San Francisco or NYC. You have a fighting chance. The competition is fierce for desirable properties under $600k.
• New York: A perpetual seller’s market. Inventory is razor-thin. If a decent apartment hits the market, you’ll have 50 other buyers and a bidding war within 24 hours. It’s not for the faint of heart.

Verdict: The Housing Market Champion
Hollywood. It’s not perfect, but the entry point is undeniably lower. You have a more realistic path to homeownership here, even if it’s a humble starter home. In New York, buying is a long-term, high-stakes game reserved for the wealthy or the extremely patient.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where the cities diverge wildly.

Traffic & Commute

Hollywood: The commute is a soul-crushing, traffic-jam nightmare. The phrase "a 5-mile drive takes 45 minutes" is not an exaggeration. Public transit exists (Metro, buses), but it’s slow, doesn’t cover all areas well, and isn’t the primary way people get around. You live and die by your car.
New York: The subway is your lifeline. It’s smelly, it’s hot, it’s sometimes delayed, but it’s efficient and comprehensive. Walking is a way of life. A 30-minute commute on the train is standard. Traffic is a nightmare if you’re in a car, but most New Yorkers don’t own one.

Verdict: New York for efficiency. Hollywood if you hate public transit and don’t mind driving.

Weather

Hollywood: 75°F and sunny. That’s the selling point. Low humidity, mild winters (think 60s), no snow. The biggest weather complaint? The "June Gloom" (morning marine layer) and wildfire season smoke.
New York: 50°F is the annual average, but that hides extreme swings. Brutal, humid summers (90°F+ feels like 100°F), and cold, snowy winters. You need a full wardrobe for every season.

Verdict: Hollywood. It’s not even a contest. The weather is a year-round asset.

Crime & Safety

Hollywood: Violent Crime Rate: 567.0/100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. While the tourist-heavy areas are generally safe, property crime (car break-ins) is rampant. Gentrification has helped, but pockets of sketchiness remain.
New York: Violent Crime Rate: 364.2/100k. Surprisingly lower than Hollywood, and much lower than its own 1990s peak. NYC is statistically one of the safest big cities in America. Of course, it depends on the borough and neighborhood, but overall, the city feels (and is) safer than its reputation suggests.

Verdict: New York. The data is clear. You’re statistically less likely to be a victim of violent crime in NYC than in Hollywood.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?

It’s time to pick winners for different life stages. This isn’t about which city is "better," but which is better for you.

🏆 Winner for Families: New York

Wait, what? Hear me out. While Hollywood offers backyards and sunshine, New York offers world-class public schools (specialized high schools), incredible museums, parks, and a sense of community in the outer boroughs (Queens, Brooklyn). The walkability means kids can be more independent. The crime rate is lower. The cultural and educational opportunities are unparalleled. The trade-off is space and cost, but for an engaged, urban family, the benefits outweigh the downsides.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Hollywood

The median age in Hollywood is younger. The cost of entry is lower. The social scene is more laid-back, revolving around pool parties, beach days, and industry mixers. You can afford a slightly nicer apartment for your money, and the ability to drive to different neighborhoods (Silver Lake, Venice, DTLA) offers variety. The hustle is real, but it’s a different, more creative hustle. It’s a better launchpad for building a social life and career without the crushing density of NYC.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Hollywood

Unless you have an unlimited budget and love the energy of a city, Hollywood wins. The weather is a major health benefit for seniors (arthritis, mobility issues). The pace, while still active, is more forgiving. You can drive to errands, and the lower cost of living (comparatively) stretches retirement savings further. New York’s brutal winters and high costs make it a tough sell for fixed incomes.

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Pros & Cons: At a Glance

Hollywood, CA

Pros:

• Unbeatable Weather: 75°F and sunny most days.
• Creative Vibe: Mecca for film, TV, and music.
• More Affordable Housing: Lower rent and home prices than NYC.
• Access to Nature: Beaches, mountains, and hiking trails are a short drive away.
• Laid-Back Lifestyle: Less pressure to "dress up" or conform.

Cons:

• Car Dependency: Traffic is a nightmare; public transit is weak.
• High Cost of Living: Still very expensive, just not as bad as NYC.
• Safety Concerns: Higher violent crime rate than NYC.
• Isolation: Can feel disconnected without a car.
• Wildfires & Smog: Air quality can be poor.

New York, NY

Pros:

• Unmatched Convenience: Everything is 24/7 and within walking distance.
• Public Transit: The subway system is extensive (if flawed).
• Cultural Epicenter: World-class museums, theater, food, and music.
• Lower Violent Crime Rate: Statistically safer than Hollywood.
• Walkability: A healthy, active lifestyle is built-in.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost: Housing is brutally expensive.
• Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and bitter cold for months.
• Crowds & Noise: Constant sensory overload; personal space is minimal.
• Competition: Everything is hyper-competitive, from jobs to apartments.
• No Car Needed (or wanted): That’s a pro or con depending on you.

The Bottom Line

Choose Hollywood if: You prioritize weather, a creative atmosphere, and a slightly more manageable financial entry point. You’re willing to trade traffic jams and car dependence for sunshine and a laid-back vibe.

Choose New York if: You crave energy, culture, and convenience above all else. You’re a walker, a transit rider, and a hustler who values access over space. You’re willing to pay a premium for the privilege of living at the center of the universe.

Both cities are epic, transformative, and demanding. Your choice isn’t just about a place to live; it’s about choosing the version of yourself you want to become. Now, go make your decision.