The following is a comparison between California and New York, two populous US states. Let’s read.
California vs New York State – US states comparison
Which state has a larger population, California or New York?
The population in California is larger as compared with New York State. Moreover, California has the highest population among all states in the US.
- Population of California – around 39 million (2023 estimate)
- Population of New York State – around 19.6 million (2023 estimate)
Which state is larger in area, California or New York?
California ranks among the largest US states. New York State is not very large in area. California is 3 times larger than New York State.
- Area of California – around 163,700 square miles (423,970 sq km)
- Area of New York – around 54,555 square miles (141,300 sq km)
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Overview
| California | New York State | |
| Area | around 163,700 square miles (423,970 sq km) | around 54,555 square miles (141,300 sq km) |
| Area rank | 3rd | 27th |
| Population | around 39 million (2023 estimate) | around 19.6 million (2023 estimate) |
| Population rank in the US | 1st | 4th |
| Capital City | Sacramento | Albany |
| Largest City | Los Angeles | New York City |
| Nickname | The Golden State | The Empire State |
| Became a state of the US | 9 September, 1850 | 26 July, 1788 |
Geographical features
| California | New York State | |
| Region | Western United States | Northeastern United States |
| Highest natural point | Mount Whitney (14,505 ft/4,421 m) | Mount Marcy (5,343 ft/1,629 m) |
| Largest lake | Salton Sea | Oneida Lake |
| International border | Yes with Mexico | Yes with Canada |
| Coastline | on Pacific Ocean | on Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Atlantic Ocean |
| Borders | Oregon in the north; Nevada and Arizona in the east; and Mexico in the south | Canada in the north; Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont in the east; Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the south; and Pennsylvania and Canada in the west |
| Longest river | Sacramento River | Hudson River |
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Tourism
| California | New York State | |
| Places to visit | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Disneyland Resort Anaheim, Malibu, Yosemite National Park, San Diego, etc. | New York City, Niagara Falls, Adirondack Mountains, Catskill Mountains, Fire Island, Rochester, etc |
| Number of National Parks | 9 | 0 |
| Number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites | 3 (Yosemite National Park, Redwood National and State Parks, and Hollyhock house) | 2 (Statue of Liberty and Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum) |
(Also read: USA and Russia – country comparison | USA vs Russia)
Is New York City the capital of New York State?
No, Albany is the capital of New York State. New York City is the state’s largest city. Albany is located 150 miles north of New York City.
Is Niagara Falls located in New York State?
Niagara Falls is located on the border between New York state of the US and Ontario province of Canada. The waterfall forms on the Niagara river that flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
Is the GDP of California larger than New York?
Yes
California state symbols
| Animal | California grizzly bear |
| Bird | California valley quail |
| Flower | California poppy |
| Tree | Coastal redwood & giant sequoia |
| Reptile | Desert tortoise |
| Freshwater fish | California golden trout |
| Marine fish | Garibaldi |
| Grass | Purple needlegrass |
| Amphibian | California red-legged frog |
| Insect | California dogface butterfly |
| Marine mammal | Gray whale |
| Marine reptile | Leatherback sea turtle |
| Mineral | Gold |
| Fossil | Saber-toothed tiger |
New York state symbols
| Animal | Beaver |
| Bird | Eastern bluebird |
| Flower | Rose |
| Tree | Sugar maple |
| Reptile | Snapping turtle |
| Freshwater fish | Brook Trout |
| Saltwater fish | Striped Bass |
| Insect | Nine-spotted ladybug |
| Fruit | Apple |
| Beverage | Milk |
| Fossil | Sea scorpion |