How to Find an Affordable Apartment in NYC [2025]

Looking for an affordable apartment in New York City? We've rounded up the most budget-friendly NYC neighborhoods to help you pick the right one for you.

Finding an affordable apartment in New York starts with knowing where to look. We’ve broken down the most budget-friendly neighborhoods, rent trends, and key tips to help you navigate the market with confidence. All the data in this article is current as of July 2025.

How Much Is Rent in NYC?

As of July 2025, the overall median rent in NYC is $2,480 a month, making New York City one of the most expensive large cities in the United States for renters. For a one-bedroom, expect to pay a median rate of $2,367, and for a two-bedroom, most renters will shell out around $2,496 a month.

How to Find Affordable Neighborhoods in NYC

Finding affordable rent in NYC usually comes down to three factors: safety, commute times, and price. Here are five neighborhoods where you can still find deals.

Unless otherwise noted, all rental data included here is sourced from our internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download.

Looking for a broader selection? We have even more to choose from in our longer guide to the best NYC neighborhoods. Use tools like Apartment List to filter by budget first, and then review the results for more information about the neighborhood.

Having information about crime rates and locations is helpful. Check out our "City Guide" on apartment listings for these details. You can also use the crime data posted by the city on websites like Area Vibes.

1. Parkchester

• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,904
• Crime rate: 33% below the national average
• Map of Parkchester

Parkchester is a planned community in the East Bronx known for its red-brick buildings, green spaces, and a blend of urban density with a quieter, suburban feel. It’s a diverse, family-friendly neighborhood with affordable rent and spacious apartments—plus easy access to the 6 train for a smooth commute into Manhattan. With nearby attractions like the Bronx Zoo, the Botanical Garden, and Fordham University, Parkchester offers a well-rounded lifestyle with strong community vibes.

2. Ridgewood

• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,300
• Crime rate: Above the national average
• Map of Ridgewood

Ridgewood is a vibrant neighborhood in Queens experiencing a surge in popularity. Once a predominantly industrial area, Ridgewood is now known for its art scene, happening bars, and diverse restaurants. Renters in Ridgewood enjoy a mix of affordability and access to trendy new shops and eateries.

The neighborhood boasts a strong sense of community and a multicultural atmosphere. While the crime rate is slightly above the national average, it remains considerably below many other parts of New York City.

3. Bayside

• Average one-bedroom rent: $1,700
• Crime rate: Below the national average
• Map of Bayside

Bayside, Queens offers a rare blend of suburban calm and city convenience, making it one of the borough’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Known for its tree-lined streets, strong public schools, and tight-knit community, it’s especially appealing to families and anyone craving a quieter residential vibe.

Bell Boulevard is the lively commercial core of the neighborhood, with global restaurants, local bars, and boutique shops. Green spaces like Fort Totten Park and Crocheron Park add to the neighborhood’s charm with waterfront views, historic landmarks, and room to unwind. Renters are drawn to Bayside for its spacious housing, lower rent, and LIRR access for commuting to Manhattan.

4. Southeast Yonkers

• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,350
• Crime rate: Below the national average
• Map of Southeast Yonkers

Southeast Yonkers is a diverse, well-connected neighborhood just north of the Bronx, offering an urban vibe with a strong community feel. Known for its Irish- and Italian-American roots—especially along McLean Avenue—it’s a popular choice for renters seeking more space, solid schools, and relatively affordable housing.

The area blends residential calm and convenience, with easy access to major highways and Metro-North stations for a quick commute to Manhattan. Locals enjoy nearby attractions like Cross County Shopping Center, Empire City Casino, and green spaces like Van Cortlandt and Tibbetts Brook Parks for weekend downtime.

5. Astoria

• Average one-bedroom rent: $2,555
• Crime rate: Above the national average
• Map of Astoria

Astoria, Queens is a vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood that blends big-city energy with a strong sense of community. Known for its standout dining, buzzing nightlife, and scenic Astoria Park—with unbeatable views of Manhattan—it’s a magnet for young professionals, creatives, and longtime locals alike.

Renters are drawn to Astoria’s mix of prewar apartments, modern builds, and walkable streets, plus quick N and W subway access for a fast Midtown commute. While rents have risen in recent years, the neighborhood’s character, convenience, and quality of life continue to make it one of Queens’ most desirable places to live.

What’s the Best Time to Find an Apartment in NYC?

New York City rents have historically been lowest from December through February, which is consistent with national trends. Conversely, rents have been highest in NYC from June through August.

Many renters avoid moving in winter due to the likelihood of inclement weather and the disruption it can cause during the school year. However, the winter months are your best time to find deals. The summer, by contrast, typically offers more availability. So, the "best time" to rent depends on whether you're looking for better deals or a wider selection.

How to Budget for Your NYC Apartment

Where you live in NYC is primarily determined by your rental budget. The 30% rule is a recommended method for calculating your rental budget. According to this rule, your rent should not exceed 30% of your gross income or pre-tax monthly take-home pay.

For example, if you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment in NYC with a median rent price of $2,367, your gross annual income should be $94,680 to afford the expenses associated with renting an apartment in the city. These expenses typically include:

• Rent
• Cable/internet
• Heating and gas
• Electricity
• Car payments/public transit
• Groceries
• Savings

If compiling these bills gets overwhelming, remember that there are plenty of ways to reduce expenses. Consider taking advantage of cost-saving tricks, such as continually seeking out different move-in specials and being mindful of seasonal price fluctuations.

Understand the True Cost of Renting

It’s important to remember that the 30% rule serves as a baseline rather than an exact representation of what your rental budget should look like. Take a closer look at hidden apartment expenses if you’re wondering how much apartment rent you can really afford. Hidden apartment expenses may include:

• Apartment application fees
• Security deposit
• Pet deposit
• Move-in fees
• Moving costs

Additional financial needs, such as medical expenses and student debt repayment, may significantly impact your budget, suggesting that the 30% rule may not be entirely suitable for your budget.

You can also utilize other helpful tools, such as the Rent Calculator, to determine how much you can afford to pay, including additional expenses.

Consider Your Commute Time

One of the undeniable advantages of living in NYC is its world-class public transit system. The downside to that is that the cost of parking is sky high, and availability is low. If you plan to commute to work, consider where you'll live and whether public transportation can substitute for a car. Check out the MTA subway map to get an idea of which lines serve which neighborhoods.

Prepare for Apartment Tours

Before signing a lease for your new NYC apartment, you’ll want to take an apartment tour. While it may not seem critically important to visit a space if you've seen pictures online, an in-person visit will provide information about the neighborhood, the ease of building access, and other aspects of the apartment that won't be in pictures but will impact your quality of life. Plus, you can ensure that the apartment matches the description.

Find out how the application process works before taking an apartment tour so you can get a better idea of what to expect. Jot down questions about the online listing to bring with you. Crucial questions about the apartment might include details about painting, pets, and other building-specific rules. Check out our list of 20 questions to ask when renting an apartment to get a better idea of what you should be asking the property manager during your tour.

Take your time and ensure that all the listed amenities function correctly before signing a contract. Never feel rushed during your tour, and remember to enjoy yourself.

Applying for Your NYC Apartment

The application process should come relatively easily, considering you will already have the necessary materials gathered from your tour. However, in addition to those materials, other items, such as rental references, may also be required for your application.

For rental references, most landlords prefer to hear from your previous landlords. However, it shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t have a rental history. Just be sure to confirm your references in advance and organize your contacts, as some property managers may also accept personal references.

Either way, make sure you reach out to your rental references ahead of time so that they can anticipate the call. Providing them with a heads-up can expedite the application process by allowing them to respond more promptly on your behalf.

Protect Yourself from Rental Scams

According to a 2018 rental fraud report by Apartment List, approximately 43.1% of renters in NYC have encountered an apartment listing they suspected was fraudulent. Unfortunately, 7.1% of these New York renters have lost money from one rental scam.

Follow these tips to avoid rental scams and stay protected by remaining cautious at all times.

Finding Your New York Neighborhood

Each area has its own character and history. Once you've decided on the best New York neighborhood for you, it’s time to start comparing average rent prices and examining the cost of living.

Ready to start your apartment hunt? Take the Apartment List quiz and start narrowing down your wish list of amenities, New York neighborhoods, and rental prices to fit your budget. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs about Finding an Affordable NYC Apartment in 2025

What is the most affordable neighborhood in NYC?

With starting rents as low as $1,700 for a one-bedroom apartment, Bayside in Queens, NY, is one of the more affordable NYC neighborhoods for renters on our list.

Are there any affordable neighborhoods in Manhattan?

With studios starting at $2,250, Murray Hill is one of the most affordable places in Manhattan for renters. Harlem is right up there, with a current average rate of $2,560 for a one-bedroom apartment.