Author
Home > Travel > What is the Difference Between London and New York?

Guilherme Mazui

•5 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between London and New York?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

London and New York are both major global cities with rich histories and unique characteristics. Here are some key differences between the two:

Size and Population:

  • London is larger geographically, covering 1,572 square kilometers, while New York City is 783.8 square kilometers.
  • London has a population of 9.5 million people (2022), whereas New York has 8.1 million.

Culture:

  • London has a stronger focus on arts and theater, while New York City has a stronger focus on finance and business.

Safety:

  • Statistically, London is considered the safer city compared to New York.

Shopping:

  • New York City offers tax-free clothing purchases up to $110, with an 8.875% tax beyond that. London has a 20% VAT tax on clothing.

Food:

  • New York City is known for its diverse cuisine, with more than 150 countries represented in the city. It offers a wide range of dining options, from inexpensive food to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Green Space:

  • London has 35,000 acres of public parks, gardens, and woodlands, equaling 40% of public green space. New York City has only 14% public green space.

** Architecture**:

  • London has shorter buildings compared to New York's skyscrapers and large apartment buildings.

Tourism:

  • London attracts 30 million visitors annually, while New York receives more than double that number, with 65.2 million visitors.

Ultimately, the choice between London and New York depends on personal preferences and priorities. If you value job opportunities, entertainment, and a vibrant food scene, New York City may be the better choice. On the other hand, if culture, history, and green space are more important to you, then London may be the way to go.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between London and New York?
  • Comparative Table: London vs New York

    • Comparative Table: London vs New York

    Here is a table comparing some key differences between London and New York:

    Factor London New York
    Time Difference 5 hours ahead 5 hours behind ------
    Population 8,908,067 (2019) 8,338,495 (as of 2019)
    Public Transportation Comprehensive public transportation network, including the London Underground, buses, and National Rail. Less comprehensive public transportation system, with the New York City Subway and buses being the primary options.
    Cost of Living Higher cost of living, with an average price of a pint of beer around $7.08 (5.5 £, as of February 2019). Lower cost of living, with an average price of a pint of beer around $5.35 (4.3 £) as of February 2019)
    Financial Hub Major financial center with prominent banks, investment firms, and insurance companies Major financial center with numerous banks and investment firms
    Education World-class institutions such as the University of London and University College London Prestigious universities like Columbia University and New York University
    Culture Rich cultural history, with iconic landmarks and museums, such as the British Museum and the National Gallery Diverse cultural scene with a mix of arts, entertainment, and architecture, including the Empire State Building and the Guggenheim Museum
    Cuisine Offers a wide range of global cuisines, from traditional British dishes to international options Known for its diverse culinary scene, with both local and international options available
    Weather Mild and temperate, with cool winters and warm summers, experiencing more rain than New York Warmer summers and colder winters, with slightly less precipitation than London
    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.