The 7 cheapest places to live in New York

Rent in NYC on a budget! Find out the cheapest NYC neighborhoods based on their quality of life, livability, rental costs, and things to do.

Ivandzhelin

5 minute read

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Updated on 16 Jul 2024

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Living

To find houses for rent in New York is no easy task when you’re split between a central location and affordable rent. But while rent in New York is high, there are some affordable neighborhoods in NYC where you can experience the city and maintain a low cost of living for New York. It's a win-win!

To help you sift through the most affordable neighborhoods in NYC, we've come up with the list of the 7 safest and cheapest places to live in New York. Our selection is based on the 3 most important characteristics every affordable neighborhood needs to have: excellent environment, high quality of life, and livability.

Figuring out the most affordable neighborhoods in New York which are also safe, offer high quality and don't have too long of a commute can take time. To speed up the process, here is a list of the cheapest places to live in New York:

1. Crown Heights, Brooklyn
2. Washington Heights, Manhattan
3. Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
4. Astoria, Queens
5. Inwood, Manhattan
6. Harlem, Manhattan
7. Flatbush, Brooklyn

Let's dive into them and figure out where you should [search for homes for rent in New York]?

• Neighborhood vibe: Warm and community-centric
• Median rent: $2,098
• Transportation: Subway (2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, G, and S)

In Crown Heights you get the best of both worlds: living in one of the cheapest places to live in New York and having easy access to the rest of the city via the subway. Crown Heights' tight-knit community warmly welcomes newcomers, fostering a vibrant spirit. You’ll have the opportunity to explore local businesses, walk through Brooklyn’s Botanical Garden, and have easy access to cost-effective dining.

With modern apartment buildings and traditional brownstones, Crown Heights is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in New York. Crown Heights is the perfect neighborhood for young professionals, with rents ranging from $1,620 to $2,515 for rooms and studios.

• Neighborhood vibe: Vibrant and ever-changing
• Median rent: $2,045
• Transportation: Subway (A,C, and 1 trains) and buses (M4, M5, M100)

A mix of urban and suburban lifestyles, Washington Heights is one of the cheapest places to live in New York. Living here, you still have easy access to Midtown Manhattan and the city but without the price tag.

The neighborhood offers plenty of cultural hotspots, like the United Palace Theatre and La Marina . Wherever you’re in the mood for nature, you can frolick in Highbridge Park or at the Hudson River Greenway.

With proximity to Boricua and Barnard colleges and an average monthly rent of $1,428 for a private room, Washington Heights is one of the cheapest places to live in NYC for students. Even if you're not a student, you should still consider this neighborhood as it ranks high on the list of affordable neighborhoods in New York.

• Neighborhood vibe: An oasis in the mids of the city that never sleeps
• Median rent: $2,288
• Transportation: Subway (A, C, G, S trains) and buses (B7, B15, B26, B43, etc.)

If you’re looking for a large neighborhood with the vibe of a quaint town, then Bedford-Stuyvesant (or Bed-Stuy) is the place for you. Full of gorgeous architecture, this beautiful Brooklyn neighborhood is a feast for the eyes and the soul. The neighborhood is rich with welcoming restaurants, lively nightlife, communal green spaces, theaters, and art galleries.

With a strong sense of community, Bed-Stuy still ranks high on the list of the best affordable neighborhoods in NYC. Although, recent gentrification is beginning to drive up prices.

• Neighborhood vibe: Unique, vibrant and welcoming
• Median rent: $2,373
• Transportation: Subway (E, M, N, R, and W) and buses (Q19 and M60-SBS)

Astoria isn't just one of the cheapest NYC neighborhoods— it's also one of the best neighborhoods in NYC. With its blend of affordability, cultural richness, green spaces, and urban convenience, it has a vibe that's distinctly its own.

Astoria’s colorful neighborhood is home to many cultural and creative institutions, the beautiful Astoria Park, and some of the most authentic Greek food in NYC. The best part about living in Astoria? You can enjoy excellent connections to the rest of the city without breaking the bank.

Students will particularly like renting in Astoria as the rent for private rooms is affordable, and the neighborhood is close to one of the top universities in NYC, Columbia University and to Queens College. Apartments, however, are on the pricey end.

• Neighborhood vibe: A blend of urban and suburban lifestyles
• Median rent: $1,917
• Transportation: Subway (trains 1 and A)

One of Manhattan’s best neighborhoods is also the cheapest place to live in NYC. Bordered by the Hudson River and Spuyten Duyvil Creek, Inwood has a strong community, plenty of cultural attractions, and a delicious dining scene. You’ll be at an arm’s length of one of Manhattan’s most popular music venues (Indian Road Cafe) and one of the oldest parks (Inwood Hill Park).

Within a 33-minute subway ride from Midtown, Inwood is perfect for young professionals and families alike. Living in this affordable neighborhood will be a blessing for your wallet as the rent is one of the most affordable in NYC.

• Neighborhood vibe: Iconic, sought-after and exciting
• Median rent: $2,269
• Transportation: Subway (lines 4, 2, etc.)

From its rich musical heritage to its affordable living options, Harlem shines as one of the best neighborhoods in New York. Whether you're heading to the Bronx in the north or exploring the lush landscapes of Central Park to the east, you'll find yourself effortlessly connected to the pulse of the city.

Harlem is divided into 3 district areas (Central, East, and West), each with its own unique feel. We recommend you check out the accommodation options in East Harlem (Spanish Harlem), as that’s the cheapest NYC neighborhood out of the 3.

• Neighborhood vibe: Excellent location at an affordable price
• Median rent: $2,208
• Transportation: Subway (trains B and Q)

Flatbush is one of the cheapest places to live in New York, where you won't have to compromise on location to save on rent. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Flatbush offers wide and leafy streets, plenty of entertainment options, a multicultural environment, and a strong community.

Flatbush has good connections to the city. Here, you’ll be able to dine out at a reasonable price (like the $5 tostadas at Taqueria Maria and Ricardo), save on public transport with the $2 dollar vans (buses with pre-set routes going through the neighborhood), and go for a picnic at the famous Prospect Park.

Finding cheap places to live in New York might be time-consuming, but it's not impossible. Bed-Stuy and Flatbush are ideal for families because of their quite streets and vast green spaces. Students of Columbia University or Queens College will find Astoria a good choice. Whereas those studying at Boricua or Bernard colleges, should check out places in Washington Heights. For the young adults wanting to feel the beat of the city Crown Heights and Harlem is where they will find their crowds.

Now that you know which are the most affordable neighborhoods in NYC, it's time to find your dream home. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring homes for rent in New York today!