Undisputed Comedy Capital Of The World

Who decides where the comedy capital of the world is? We know it's a city in the U.S. and we know it's one of the big four comedy heavyweights - but which one is it?

Many in the comedy world consider New York City to be the capital of stand-up comedy for producing world famous icons like Eddie Murphy and Jerry Seinfeld.

Comedy Capital is:

Kill Tony, is a live podcast taped in Austin, Texas and all over the world.

Where's The Stand-Up Comedy Capital Of The World?

We think the best way to determine the comedy capital of the world is by ranking the best city as determined by your vote. There’s nobody more qualified to decide the best city for comedy than comedy fans just like you who actively support comedians and the comedy scene and keep the comedy clubs in business – please keep doing that!

Help us rank the top city in the world for stand-up comedy. The comedy capital of the world heavyweight contenders are Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Click below now to vote for your favorite city for world capital of stand-up comedy and make sure to share this page and let everyone you know to visit Comedy Club Venues and submit their vote too : )

1. New York City, NY

Undisputed king of stand-up?

Clubs: The Comedy Cellar, Gotham Comedy Club, Stand Up NY.
Vibe: Gritty, fast-paced, diverse — perfect for working out new material nightly.
Comics: Many greats came up here—Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, etc.
Why it matters: It’s where comics get sharp.

2. Los Angeles, CA

🎥 Entertainment capital with a strong stand-up scene.

Clubs: The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, Hollywood Improv.
Vibe: More industry-focused—lots of comics are actors/writers too.
Comics: Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, and Joe Rogan have called LA home.
Why it matters: You perform here and land Netflix deals.

3. Chicago, IL

🎭 Home of improv but also a strong stand-up city.

Clubs: The Second City, Zanies, Laugh Factory Chicago.
Vibe: Raw, creative, collaborative—less industry pressure.
Comics: Hannibal Buress, John Mulaney, and Tina Fey started here.
Why it matters: It’s where comics develop and take risks.

4. Austin, TX

🌟 Fast-rising comedy hub.

Clubs: The Comedy Mothership (Joe Rogan’s), Cap City Comedy Club, Creek & The Cave.
Vibe: Edgy, experimental, anti-corporate — big draw for independent comics.
Comics: Joe Rogan, Tony Hinchcliffe, and a growing scene of regulars.
Why it matters: It’s the future-facing city with massive momentum.

Current Rankings

The current rankings are updated below in real time in order of rank, and display the standing Undisputed Comedy Capital of the World. If you wish to defend or challenge these results make sure to submit your vote now.