New York is the state. There are cities and towns inside of the state and one of those cities is New York City.
what is the difference between new york city and new york state?
New York City has about 8.5 million people.
New York State has about 19.8 people.
New York City is a city within New York State.
While the city is located WITHIN the state itself . . . Both are places you should visit.