London vs New York: Which City Offers a Better Quality of Life?

Choosing between London and New York is a difficult decision. However, if you are aware of the history, culture, geography, crime rate, cost of living, transportation, and other details, it becomes a lot easier.

In this article, we will compare the two cities in various aspects. We will share some facts and figures to help you decide the right city for a permanent stay or travel.

London vs New York: Size & Geography

London is way bigger than New York, with a population of 8.9 million. On the other hand, New York has an estimated population of around 8.3 million residents.

New York has an area of almost 784 Km2. In comparison, London covers an area of about 1572 Km2, which is almost double that of New York’s geographical size. Although they have a very large difference in terms of size, they still have close and evenly matched populations.

If we look at the graphical side of London, it is widely spread horizontally with a developed mixture of urban and suburban housing. In comparison, New York has a high-rise living style with compact and vertical arrangements, especially in Manhattan.

London vs New York: History And Culture

New York is not historically wealthy, but it is well known due to its unique cultural identity. The city is well known as “ The city that never sleeps.” It is also well known for the massive influx of immigrants in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

The people from Ellis Island migrated in large numbers, which could be estimated to be 50 times its original population at that time. The influx has come up with a diverse mindset and promoted several talents. The art and culture are quite vibrant with hip hop, theatres, and world-class museums.

London has a rich and detailed history, dating back to the Romans. It was later revolutionized further by monarchies and empires. However, its architecture reflects a cultural and historical landmark.

The famous Tower of London and the Victorian-era buildings help preserve the identity. London is also culturally rich, boasting a diverse range of literature, art, and music. It also features well-known places, such as the British Museum, where travelers can view historic artifacts.

London vs New York: Weather & Lifestyle

London’s weather remains moderate throughout the year. It doesn’t have extreme sunny or extreme cold weather. However, it often receives rain showers, and the weather remains mostly cloudy. The climate remains at a slow pace; you would never experience a sudden change.

The lifestyle in London is calm. The shops and restaurants are often closed early to maintain a balance between professional and personal life. London has more peace of mind than New York due to its steady atmosphere.

On the other hand, New York has extremely sunny and cold weather throughout the year. People experience discomfort in summer due to high humidity. While in winter, it experiences heavy snowfall. Visitors and residents enjoy the dramatic change in weather.

The lifestyle of New York remains busy with 24/7 open restaurants and shops. New York is also known for its energetic atmosphere, characterized by a fast pace.

London vs New York: Public Transport & Infrastructure

London has a well-known and the oldest “Tube” underground railway transportation system. The system has been modernized and is focusing on maintaining cleanliness. Furthermore, it has a vast bus network, cabs, and railway services for suburban areas.

It primarily has a larger bus system, which minimizes car traffic congestion. London’s infrastructure is facing challenges due to aging and overcrowding. The people also face complexities in navigating routes due to multiple sub-routes.

On the other hand, the New York transportation system is completely dominated by the subway system. The subway operates 24/7 with a high capacity to transport passengers all over New York. The system is considered the largest in the world, with high efficiency and consistency.

However, New York is also facing old infrastructure issues. The issues with cleanliness are increasing at the stations, and they also become overcrowded in peak hours.

London vs New York: Population & Career Opportunities

Both London and New York have nearly matched populations. London has an estimated population of around 8.9 million, while New York has a slightly lower population of about 8.3 million. Both cities remain crowded 24/7, but London’s population is considered less dense due to a wider area.

The career opportunities in both cities are high due to their economic strength. New York has a top-notch GDP with a high trade influx due to high-tech centers, extensive healthcare, and media centers. It also has a large industrial exposure, which contributes to a higher margin.

In comparison, London also competes in the economy due to its high positioning in insurance, banking, and foreign currency trading. They also spend a lot on education and human capital to provide a quality of living standard.

New York vs London: Cost Of Living

The cost of living is balanced for both cities. New York is considered more expensive than London due to high rentals and daily expenses. However, London has affordable rentals and a day-to-day life.

The purchasing power of New York residents is higher because of higher wages. People can easily afford the rentals, utilities, and groceries. On the other hand, London offers average wages with affordable living, but people face challenges with high transportation costs.

London vs New York: Crime Rate & Safety Tips

London crime rate vs New York

New York is one of the safest cities in the world. It has an almost negligible crime rate of 7 crimes per 1000 people. It has experienced a long-term decline in crime since the 2000s. On the other hand, London has an elevated crime level with a rate of approximately 76 crimes per 1000 people. The trend of crimes has been increasing over the last 10 years in London.

Safety tips to stay in London and New York

In both cities, you need to ensure your own safety. Avoid travelling to quiet and dark streets at night. Always keep your phone charged and know the relevant emergency numbers. Both cities remain busy and crowded, so keep your expensive belongings at home.

Keep your car locked and park in a safe, well-lit parking area. At night, avoid traveling on empty roads and always use a reputable cab service. Always research thoroughly the areas that are considered highly safe for your family.

For enhanced protection, you can install security cameras at home for remote surveillance. Security cameras like Reolink Elite Floodlight Wi-Fi offer 180° wide-angle support to eliminate blind spots. The 3000-lumen dimmable light provides strong deterrence and crystal-clear visibility at night.

FAQs

1. Is London more developed than New York?

New York is at the top in terms of development due to its high economic stability. On the other hand, London is also making a way towards development, but stands after New York.

2. Which is better, NYC or London?

If you are evaluating from a safety perspective, New York is generally considered a safe place. While London has a balanced living with affordable living.

3. Is London or NYC more expensive?

NYC is more expensive for rentals and daily expenses, but the residents have high purchasing power. In comparison, London is affordable, but transportation expenses are high.

Conclusion

Choosing between the two cities depends on several factors. For instance, you will prefer NYC for higher safety. Similarly, if you are considering affordability, London is better. We have compared both cities and explained the differences and things in common to make your selection easier.