15 Cheapest Places to Live in New York City

15 Cheapest Places to Live in New York City

New York City, the bustling metropolis that never sleeps, is renowned for its vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and diverse population. The city offers an unequaled vitality and a variety of chances, from the glitz and glamour of Manhattan to the hip boroughs of Brooklyn.

But living in New York City has a cost a very high one, at that. Finding a budget-friendly home in New York City is popularly difficult for locals due to the city’s high cost of living.

The challenge of finding affordable housing is particularly pronounced in New York City because of its expensive standard of living, but there is nothing to be afraid of! Learn about the 15 Cheapest Places to Live in New York City that provide a great quality of life with easy access to the city’s lifestyle and amenities.

1. Sunnyside, Queens

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Sunnyside Queens is a lively and vibrant neighborhood located in the borough of Queens, New York. It is renowned for both its diversified population and tight-knit society. There are several civilizations in the region.

People are constantly moving through the streets as they travel to their destinations. Sunnyside has earned a reputation for having several neighborhood eateries and coffee shops. After hours, Sunnyside comes alive as a vibrant social scene where one may discover clubs and pubs that host karaoke nights or live music performances.

Sunnyside also provides its people with a range of outdoor activities, like parks and bicycle paths, so they can venture outside and take in the scenery without leaving the city.

2. Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

Eric R. Bechtold, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The historic enclave of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn provides its people with a peaceful and cozy place to live. The best part is that it is among the least expensive areas to reside in NYC.

The region, which was once occupied by Dutch farmers, has seen extensive reconstruction recently, with new homes and shops springing up along its tree-lined lanes.

In Bay Ridge, you may find everything from hip cafés and restaurants to small businesses and art galleries. It’s simple to feel at home in this dynamic neighborhood with superb schools and quick commutes thanks to the nice and friendly locals.

3. Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn

Andre Carrotflower, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bed-Stuy, also known as Bedford-Stuyvesant, is a well-known, thriving neighborhood in New York City known for its ethnic variety and extensive history. From young families to older adults, from local residents who were born and raised there to immigrants, it is a melting pot of people from all walks of life.

Bed-Stuy is a unique area with its large brownstones, tree-lined blocks, and diversified population. Bed-Stuy offers a ton of cool locations to check out, from hip cafés and shops to neighborhood hotspots.

When you explore Bed-Stuy, you will undoubtedly discover something exceptional, whether you’re trying to locate the greatest place to grab a snack or are simply taking a leisurely stroll around the block.

4. Washington Heights

Petri Krohn at the English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The charming New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights is close to the Harlem River and offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River. It’s a remarkably lively region that provides residents and guests with a distinctive fusion of culture, cuisine, and entertainment.

There are several parks and other green areas in Washington Heights for enjoyment. Locals can readily access all of the city’s eating, shopping, cultural activities, and nightlife because of its near proximity to Manhattan. Anyone seeking a quick lunch or a night out on the town will find it at Washington Heights.

5. Riverdale, Bronx

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It is said that Riverdale is frequently mistaken for a suburb; therefore this is not the Riverdale from the TV program. Famous people from Manhattan built their country mansions there in the 19th century, and affluent businessmen eventually moved there to live year-round.

Riverdale is the ideal illustration of a blend of city and suburbia since it contains a mixture of single-family houses, co-ops, and rental complexes. Residents benefit from being in close proximity to Yonkers, the city, and the Hudson River.

6. Kew Gardens

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Central Queens, where Kew Gardens is located, is roughly a 30-minute subway journey from Midtown Manhattan. The area was one of seven planned garden villages constructed from the 19th century through 1950 and has existed since 1868.

There are many single-family, multi-million dollar houses in the region, but there are also many roomy, affordable rental options. Dutch Colonial Revival and Beaux-Arts styles are popular architectural motifs, and buildings with spacious apartments typically have between four and ten floors with a mixture of normal rentals and co-ops.

As homeowners sell their residences to developers, who then construct high-rise and glitzy new projects, a change in the neighborhood’s demographics has begun to take place.

The Hispanic and Asian populations have increased since 2000, giving shelter to members looking for such groups even if the composition of the buildings has begun to alter. Forest Park to the West and Maple Grove Cemetery, two locations where New Yorkers may breathe in some fresh air, are accessible to locals.

7. Astoria, Queens

Astoria is a well-known and energetic area of Queens in New York City. It is situated along the East River and is bounded to the west by Long Island City, to the south by Sunnyside, and to the north by Woodside.

Astoria Park, The Museum of the Moving Image, and many more well-liked attractions are among the region’s well-known cultural variety, historical landmarks, and tourist destinations. Additionally, there are several local eateries in the area that provide a wide range of international cuisines.

8. North Shore, Staten Island 

You can think about adding Staten Island, the least expensive borough in New York City, to your shopping list if you don’t mind a little bit of a commute that includes a ferry trip.

While there are several communities on Staten Island’s North Shore, West Brighton, New Brighton, St. George, Tompkinsville, Clifton, and Port Richmond are the most well-known.

You may get to the Staten Island Ferry, which operates round-the-clock, seven days a week, by taking a short bus journey from your apartment. From there, you’ll be taken to the southern part of Manhattan, where you may use any kind of public transportation to travel the remainder of the island.

Additionally, it’s simple to go to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, from where you may board a bus. Staten Island’s proximity to nature, with easy access to hiking paths and fishing holes in adjacent Clove Lakes Park, is a favorite feature among its residents.

The Empire Outlets are conveniently located just off the boat terminal in St. George, so there is also the advantage of being close to shopping. The distance from Manhattan is much greater than in other New York boroughs; however some individuals like the quiet environment that fosters solitude.

9. Harlem, Manhattan

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Manhattan has never been the most affordable borough to reside in New York City, but Harlem offers a little exception. Harlem living is a wonderful experience. The area is filled with activities, and it is accessible to all the conveniences you could want.

It’s a safe location to live, and the locals are warm and hospitable. From dining to shopping to nightlife, you can get everything you need here. There is something for everyone, from exciting nightlife and delectable cuisine to historical sites and cultural attractions. Harlem is an excellent option if you’re seeking a fantastic spot to call home.

10. New Rochelle, NY

New Rochelle, in Westchester County, New York, is a popular place for New Yorkers to settle down. It is located just north of the Bronx. As a result of the affordable costs, which have a typical home listing price of $659,000 at $342 per square foot, people frequently choose to own homes rather than rent them.

At $2,259 per month, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is a little less than in certain areas of NYC. Even though it is only a short distance from the municipal borders, Times Square is only around 20 miles away.

And if you’re used to the diverse character of NYC neighborhoods, your new house will still have some of that. The seventh-largest city in the state, New Rochelle, has around 60 neighborhoods.

There are plenty of restaurants, art galleries, parks, stores, and movie theaters to keep it interesting when you want to stay near home, so you won’t have to worry about running out of things to do in your area.

11. Hornell

About 70 miles south of Rochester, Hornell is situated close to the state’s southern border. It is a rural village that was formerly a significant railroading hub and is now the site of a museum dedicated to the industry’s history.

Additionally, it has a long history of producing beer and has a number of craft brewers. The neighboring Stony Brook State Park is great for those who like to be outside. Both homeowners and renters can afford the housing expenses in the neighborhood.

While the average renter spends $672 per month in rent, the average mortgage payment is just $757. This region’s auto and health insurance rates are also significantly lower than the national average.

12. Ogdensburg

On the Saint Lawrence River, close to the Canadian border, sits Ogdensburg. The city makes up for its often chilly winters with fantastic fishing, golfing, a vast network of hiking and bike trails, and a variety of family-friendly activities all year round.

With an average monthly mortgage payment of $729, it is also cost-effective. Renters pay considerably less, on average $638 per month. Although local utility costs are somewhat higher than the national average, the city makes up the difference by saving money on phone and cable bills.

13. Niagara Falls

The name Niagara Falls promotes its primary draw. Millions of visitors visit the magnificent waterfall each year, which spans the border between the United States and Canada. But there is a lot more to the community.

Along with vineyards, retail centers, art galleries, jet cruises, and other attractions, there is a historic fort nearby. Its low housing expenses, like those of the majority of the cities on our list, play a significant role in its affordability.

Renters and homeowners both pay rates that are significantly lower than the average for the state and the nation. Residents may wish to reduce their consumption to lower their utility expenditures since they are a little higher here.

14. Oneida

Syracuse is located 30 miles to the east, in Oneida, New York. It has fishing, a theater, wineries, and some delectable eateries, so it offers something for everyone. The city also holds the remarkable distinction of being the location of the tiniest chapel in the whole world, measuring less than 30 square feet.

The average cost of living there is likewise rather low, at roughly $1,395 per month. Although housing expenses are higher than in Hornell, the average homeowner still pays less than $1,000 per month for housing. Locals in Oneida also enjoy relatively low cable, satellite, and phone rates when compared to residents of neighboring New York cities.

15. Norwich

Norwich has some top-notch restaurants and an antique movie theater. Syracuse is only 60 miles away for those days when you feel like forgetting yourself in a bigger metropolis. In Norwich, the average monthly rent is less than $700.

Though slightly more expensive, mortgage payments are still far lower than the US average. Drivers in Norwich should anticipate paying somewhat higher than average premiums for their auto insurance, but they might be able to make up for it by saving money on cable and health insurance.