Choose New York For An Easier First City
New York is usually easier for a first USA city because you can build the trip around walking, subway rides, museums, skyline views, parks, Broadway, and food neighborhoods. You do not need a car, and each day can be planned by area.
Choose Los Angeles For Variety And Sun
Los Angeles is better if beaches, studios, California food, museums, and West Coast road trips matter more than walkability. The tradeoff is logistics: traffic, parking, and neighborhood choice shape the whole trip.
Hotels Change The Experience
In New York, station access and neighborhood safety matter most. In Los Angeles, choose a base near your main plans rather than assuming you can cross the city casually. Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Downtown, and Hollywood suit very different trips.
Simple Recommendation
Choose New York for a short first USA trip. Choose Los Angeles if you have more time, want California, or plan a road extension. If you combine both, fly between them and avoid pretending the distance is small.