California vs New York | Quality of Life

Quality of Life Comparison

California

New York

How California and New York compare on quality of life: livability score, best state to live in, cost of living, and more.

Overview

Key differences

Livability Score

New York has a higher livability score than California.

Best State to Live In

New York scores higher as a state to live in California.

Cost of Living

New York is more affordable than California.

Gas Price

New York has cheaper regular gas than California by $2.

Gas Tax

New York has a lower state gas tax than California.

Electricity Rates

New York has cheaper residential electricity than California.

Metric	CA	NY	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	50.49	57.94	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	50.49	57.94	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	138.5	132.7	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$5.929/gal	$4.069/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	54.00 c/gal	32.68 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	30.29 c/kWh	28.37 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	28.4 min	31.2 min	Details ->
Car Insurance Cost Average annual full coverage car insurance premium (WalletHub 2026).	$2,567/yr	$4,535/yr	Details ->
Average Credit Score Average consumer credit score by state in 2025.	721	719	Details ->