Living in Manhattan, NY and Central Contra Costa, CA come with distinct lifestyles. While Manhattan offers a bustling city life with a robust economy, a diverse culture and food scene, and world-class public transportation, Central Contra Costa presents a more relaxed, suburban atmosphere with a strong education system, lower cost of living compared to Manhattan, and outdoor recreational opportunities. What you prefer comes down to individual preferences, career needs, and lifestyle desires.
Manhattan generally has a higher crime rate compared to Central Contra Costa. However, it's important to remember that Manhattan is densely populated, which can influence crime rates. Certain neighborhoods in Manhattan like Upper East Side and Upper West Side are considered very safe. Meanwhile, Central Contra Costa is generally safe, with crime rates below the national average across its neighborhoods. Both places have their own emergency response systems making sure measures are in place to safeguard residents and visitors.
Cost of Living
Manhattan has one of the highest costs of living in the country, from housing to groceries and utilities. Living here can be expensive due to the premium for being in one of the world's most vibrant urban cores. Central Contra Costa, while not cheap in a national context, is significantly more affordable compared to Manhattan. The cost of housing, most notably, is the most significant factor driving this difference.
Income Tax
New York State has a progressive income tax rate, and New York City requires residents to pay city income taxes, resulting in one of the highest tax burdens in the United States. In contrast, California also imposes a progressive state income tax with no additional city income tax in Central Contra Costa.
Property Tax
Manhattan has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S. However, it is calculated on the assessed value, which can be a lot lower than the market value of a property. Central Contra Costa has a relatively high property tax rate than the national average, but significantly lower compared to Manhattan.
Sales Tax
New York City, including Manhattan, has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.875%. On the other hand, Central Contra Costa has a combined sales tax rate of 8.25%, showing that living in or visiting Manhattan could be slightly more expensive when considering sales tax.
Income
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Estimated median household income
$84,435
$127,452
Estimated per capita income
$76,589
$68,702
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
185.3
139.1
If you make $50,000 in Central Contra Costa, you will have to make $66,607 in Manhattan to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Manhattan is an island surrounded by the Hudson, East, and Harlem rivers, characterized by its famous skyline studded with towering skyscrapers. Central Contra Costa, in disparity, showcases a landscape of rolling hills, open spaces, and a position near the San Francisco Bay, offering beautiful scenic views and opportunities for outdoor activities.
Geographical information
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Land area
23 sq. miles
261.3 sq. miles
Population density
70,629 people per sq. mile
1,863.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Manhattan, NY Central Contra Costa, CA
Education
Manhattan boasts some of the best education institutions in the world, with exceptional public and private schools, as well as globally recognized universities. Central Contra Costa is not far behind either, with highly-rated public schools, and colleges that are regionally well-regarded. The standard of education in both places is high, making them suited to family living.
Manhattan is a significant economic powerhouse with varied job opportunities across finance, marketing, arts, and more. Central Contra Costa, while having a smaller economy, has strong sectors in healthcare, education, and technical services. Unemployment rates in both areas are relatively similar and reflect the national average.
Biggest Employers
In Manhattan, the biggest employers are in finance, fashion, healthcare, and education. Companies like JPMorgan Chase, Macy’s, and Mount Sinai Health System widely offer opportunities. In Central Contra Costa, the largest industries by employment are healthcare & social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. Leading employers include Kaiser Permanente and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District.
In Manhattan (New York County), 83.9% voted for Democrats and 14.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Central Contra Costa (Contra Costa County), 66.2% voted for Democrats and 31.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
2020
86.5%
71.8%
12.2%
26.4%
1.2%
1.8%
2016
86.7%
67.5%
9.7%
24.5%
3.6%
8.0%
2012
83.9%
66.2%
14.9%
31.1%
1.2%
2.7%
2008
86.1%
68.0%
13.5%
30.2%
0.3%
1.8%
2004
82.3%
62.6%
16.8%
36.7%
0.9%
0.7%
2000
80.0%
59.0%
14.5%
37.2%
5.5%
3.8%
1996
80.0%
55.7%
13.8%
35.2%
6.3%
9.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.4%
21.8%
12.6%
5.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.7%
1.0%
2.4%
1.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.7%
0.5%
5.3%
2.3%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.6%
0.3%
4.7%
2.6%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.0%
1.2%
0.2%
PATRIAR PARISHE RUSSIAN ORTHODO CHURCH USA
0.4%
0.0%
0.2%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
2.0%
2.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.3%
2.4%
1.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
1.3%
2.9%
10.0%
Weather
Manhattan experiences a full four-season climate, including hot, humid summers and snowy winters. Central Contra Costa, on the other hand, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The more favorable climate in Central Contra Costa makes it attractive for individuals looking to relocate, and tourists alike who enjoy pleasant year-round weather.
Weather and climate
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Temperature - Average
54.6°F
59.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.4%
82.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
30%
29.3%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77%
88.1%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
47%
58.8%
Precipitation - Yearly average
49.6 in
21.8 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
57.4 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.8%
27.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
73.3%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
22.4%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
77.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
54.7%
Wind speed - Average
6.7 mph
11.1 mph
Average climate in Manhattan, New York
Average climate in Central Contra Costa, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
2018
94
105
0.29
0.32
17.3
6.9
23.9
22.1
N/A
0.012
N/A
N/A
7.9
13.3
0.5
0.6
2017
97
102
0.16
0.30
17.4
7.0
24.0
25.9
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
7.7
11.9
0.4
0.7
2016
94
86
0.28
0.28
18.1
6.5
24.2
25.2
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
7.7
6.5
0.6
0.8
2015
100
94
0.36
0.34
18.9
7.6
23.0
25.8
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.8
1.0
0.5
2014
95
95
0.40
0.35
19.1
7.8
22.3
25.2
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
8.3
6.9
1.1
0.5
2013
97
93
0.43
0.34
19.5
9.3
22.6
21.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
9.0
7.8
1.1
0.5
2012
99
93
0.46
0.32
18.6
8.5
23.4
25.2
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
9.3
8.3
1.7
0.3
2011
108
99
0.46
0.35
20.7
9.0
22.2
23.0
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
10.9
9.8
2.7
0.6
2010
113
93
0.45
0.31
19.3
8.6
23.3
23.2
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
10.4
8.5
2.7
0.5
2009
104
104
0.51
0.31
21.9
9.5
18.8
23.7
N/A
0.006
N/A
N/A
10.7
10.3
3.8
0.6
2008
110
120
0.49
0.36
23.0
10.2
19.8
26.1
0.013
0.006
N/A
N/A
12.3
12.1
4.6
0.8
2007
121
104
0.56
0.36
24.4
10.7
19.4
24.1
0.016
0.006
N/A
N/A
13.1
9.7
5.5
0.7
2006
116
109
0.64
0.39
24.6
10.9
18.9
26.0
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.9
11.1
6.5
0.8
2005
112
104
0.77
0.43
26.7
11.6
18.4
22.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.4
8.2
1.0
2004
108
112
0.77
0.46
26.7
12.4
17.3
22.6
0.030
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
11.9
8.0
1.1
2003
107
84
0.83
0.51
27.8
13.4
17.5
23.1
0.024
N/A
26.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.2
0.7
2002
122
88
0.78
0.51
27.9
14.7
18.7
23.3
0.008
0.008
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.3
0.9
2001
123
90
0.79
0.56
29.4
15.4
19.4
22.1
0.020
0.008
25.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.7
1.2
2000
115
95
0.90
0.67
30.2
15.9
15.0
20.8
0.022
0.013
22.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.4
1.6
Natural disasters
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
59.1%
9.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31.1%
7,786.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
18%
18%
Transportation
Manhattan's public transport system is extensive and efficient, making it possible to live comfortably without a car. It includes subways, buses, and taxis. Central Contra Costa also has public transportation but reliance on private vehicles is greater. The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system is the region's primary mass transit option.
Transport
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Bicycle
0.9%
0.5%
Bus
10.1%
1%
Carpooled
3.4%
9.9%
Car alone
7.6%
72.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
1.1%
0.8%
Streetcar
0.1%
0.1%
Subway
43.6%
7.7%
Taxicab
4.7%
0.1%
Walked
21.9%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Average
30.3 min
31.8 min
Real Estate
Manhattan's real estate is highly desired worldwide, often offering smaller living spaces with higher price tags. Manhattan boasts luxury condominiums, stylish lofts, and iconic brownstones. Contrastingly, Central Contra Costa offers more suburban-style housing, with larger homes and yards at comparatively lower prices, highlighting the stark differences in cost and style of living.
Neighborhoods
Manhattan consists of unique neighborhoods each boasting its own vibe, from the artistic hub of Chelsea to the residential enclave of the Upper East Side. Central Contra Costa consists of several suburban communities, including Concord, Walnut Creek, and Lafayette, each featuring quieter, family-oriented neighborhoods.
Houses and residents
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
Houses
798,144
183,777
Average household size (people)
2
2.5
Houses occupied
738,644 (92.5%)
179,136 (97.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
148,695 (20.1%)
127,889 (71.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
589,949 (79.9%)
51,247 (28.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,690
$2,527
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$3,393,315
$1,269,474
Estimated median house or condo value
$940,900
Over $1,000,000
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.2
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
4
6.5
Renting percentage
77.2%
30.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
34,757
703.4
Household income disparities
47.8%
35.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,104 (40.3%)
20,208 (18.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13 (0.5%)
418 (0.4%)
Housing units with a mortgage
1,636 (59.7%)
90,899 (81.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
140 (5.1%)
13,612 (12.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
140 (5.1%)
13,614 (12.3%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2%
0.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.7%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
One, detached
0.3%
62.1%
One, attached
0.5%
10.2%
Two
0.6%
1.2%
3 or 4
2.1%
4.8%
5 to 9
6.3%
5.2%
10 to 19
12.6%
3.7%
20 to 49
24.5%
4.3%
50 or more
53.0%
7.2%
Mobile homes
0.0%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
69,517
22,217
State government workers
15,544
6,705
Unpaid family workers
1,861
617
Industries and Occupations
Manhattan is a global hub for industries such as finance, publishing, real estate, and entertainment. Central Contra Costa has a mixed employment base with healthcare, education, and professional services being significant sectors. Both areas offer a wide range of job opportunities, with Manhattan offering more variety and larger scale operations.
Manhattan has world-class health care with internationally recognized hospitals such as New York-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai Hospital. Central Contra Costa is also home to high-quality healthcare facilities, like the John Muir Health hospital system, offering excellent medical services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Manhattan is known for its impressive infrastructure – the concentration of skyscrapers, various bridges, tunnels, and a complex public transportation system. Central Contra Costa has suburban infrastructure with less high-rise buildings, and it primarily relies on the highway system and regional transit systems like BART for connectivity.
Infrastructure
Type
Manhattan
Central Contra Costa
TV stations
30
24
Culture and Food
Manhattan has an internationally renowned culture and food scene. It's home to Broadway, a diverse art scene, and food from every corner of the world. Central Contra Costa boasts a vibrant regional culture with wine festivals, artisanal food scene, and an extension of San Francisco's innovative culinary culture.
Sports Teams
Manhattan is home to iconic sports teams such as the New York Yankees (MLB) and New York Knicks (NBA). Central Contra Costa doesn't host any major sports team but has easy access to Bay Area teams such as the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) and Golden State Warriors (NBA).
Manhattan, NY
Central Contra Costa, CA
Manhattan, NY and 
Central Contra Costa, CA : 2,543.9 miles
