Bottom line, rent in New York is expensive, no matter what borough you choose to live in. However, even within the borough of Manhattan itself, prices can range drastically. If you’re set on living in this area, it’s important to compare rental prices, and find a neighborhood and apartment that is best suited for you.

Upper Manhattan

If you’re looking to keep rental costs on the lower end, try starting with apartments in Upper Manhattan. The area covers 96th street on the east side and 110th street on the west side. This includes neighborhoods like Harlem and Washington Heights. These are up-and-coming neighborhoods with a lot of history, and very rich culture.

A studio apartment here can range anywhere between $1800-$2700. One bedroom are even more pricey, averaging between $2,000-$3500. Shared living seems to be most cost-effective, with a two-bedroom falling between $2400-$4,300. There are options to rent out 3, 4, and even 5 bedrooms in these areas. The average of which can fall under $1000 for each roommate. Just don’t give up the search too quickly; apartment hunting in New York is time-consuming, especially when you’re looking for prices and requirements to match up.

Upper West Side

The Upper West Side covers from West 60th Street to West 110th Street, and rent in this neighborhood is going to be slightly higher than in Upper Manhattan. Studio apartments in this area, require a budget of between $2000-$2900. A one bedroom ranges from $2800-4200; and lastly, two bedrooms fall in the price range of $3100 to over $7000.

Primarily considered a cultural hub, the Upper West side is host to the Lincoln Center, Metropolitan Opera, American Museum of Natural History as well as the New York City Ballet. It’s also lined by the west side of Central Park, which is one of the largest parks in the city. It’s attractions include the Central Park carousal, Central Park zoo, Willow Rink and much more. Not to mention horse and carriage rides, picnics, sports ceremonies, concerts, and countless other events.

Upper East Side

Similar to the Upper West Side, the Upper East Side runs from about East 60th Street to East 96th Street. Based on statistics available from as recently as June 21st 2021, A studio apartment in this area can cost anywhere from $1900 to almost $3000. A one bedroom will require payments of between $2300-$4000. And a two bedroom can range from $2700 all the way up to $6400.

The Upper East Side is widely known as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in NYC. The 2007 TV Series “Gossip Girl”, depicted the Upper East Side as being precisely that. The show was extremely popular at the time, characterizing Upper East Siders as all going to private school, having very wealthy parents, and being spoiled with extravagant parties, and endless shopping sprees.

Based on their rental prices, It’s safe to assume that this portrayal wasn’t too far from the truth. Make sure if you plan to live here, you are able to set aside enough to budget for rental costs, as well as all other expenses.

Midtown Manhattan

Midtown Manhattan covers all of 14th Street up to 59th Street. This includes neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen, Gramercy, Chelsea, Murray Hill and many more. Studio apartments in Midtown can run you anywhere from $2,000-3100. A one-bedroom will cost between $2500-4000, and a two-bedroom can range from $3300-$6400.

One thing to note about Midtown Manhattan, specifically areas that surround Times Square, is that it can be very busy. Time Square is a major entertainment center and a huge tourist destination, so there are people moving around constantly. If you are a person who prefers a more slow-paced, quiet environment, this might not be the place for you. Try exploring areas further south of Midtown, or possibly one of the other neighborhoods mentioned.

Downtown Manhattan

Downtown or Lower Manhattan consist of anything below 14th Street. This area is defined by business, culture and government. It is home to monumental historical sites such as the World Trade Center, 9/11 Memorial Museum, New York City Stock Exchange Building, The Brooklyn Bridge and so much more. Many court buildings and government officers are also located in Lower Manhattan, mainly south of Chambers Street.

In Downtown Manhattan, rent for a studio apartment can amount to anything from $2300-3200. Prices for a one bedroom apartment range between $2900-$4300. And finally, a two bedroom ranges from $3300-$6600.

Ultimately, rent in Manhattan, no matter the neighborhood, can vary from $1800 to over $7000! Of course, there are certain things that will determine the differences in price. For example, if you decide to live in a walk-up, elevator building, or doorman building (which usually includes amenities such as on-site laundry, gym, recreation rooms, and sometime even a rooftop). Whether you decide to live with roommates will also affect how much rent you ultimately pay. It’s important to consider all of these factors before making your big move.