Manhattan, the heart of New York City, has a reputation for sky-high rents, luxury apartments, and a lifestyle that moves at lightning speed. Despite its housing costs and the cost of living in Manhattan, there are still places where affordability exists.
If you're considering living in Manhattan, you should familiarize yourself with the Manhattan housing market and factors like attractions, restaurants, and commuting options.
Let’s review some of the most affordable places to live in Manhattan without losing sight of the critical details you need to know—like the cost of living, neighborhood appeal, and why each could be the right fit for new residents.
10 Most Affordable Places to Live In Manhattan
Where to live in Manhattan ultimately comes down to affordability. Whether you're moving to Manhattan or just looking to upgrade your living situation or save some money, here are 10 of the most affordable places to live in Manhattan. Please note that cost of living estimates are per person.
1. Inwood
If you're moving to Manhattan, check out Inwood, a neighborhood tucked away at the northern tip of the borough. It is hands down one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Manhattan. It offers the perfect escape from the city's hustle while keeping you close to all the action.
Inwood is celebrated for its spacious apartments and close access to green spaces like the charming Inwood Hill Park. This makes it an excellent choice for families or anyone seeking a more peaceful part of Manhattan.
The neighborhood’s rich mix of cultures gives it a unique character, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
Plus, being right by the Hudson River gives the area the hidden charm you wouldn’t expect in such an urban setting.
- Best Places to Eat in Inwood: Try local favorites like Mamajuana Café for Dominican food or The Hudson for brunch with a view.
- Cost of Living in Inwood: Inwood's median listing home price is $389k. When considering other living expenses, the median food cost is about $600/month, while transportation typically runs around $120/month. Overall, you can expect a cost of living that's a bit more budget-friendly than many other neighborhoods in Manhattan.
- Subway Access: The A and #1 subway lines are nearby, so commuting is a breeze, whether heading to Midtown or further downtown.
2. Washington Heights
Just south of Inwood, Washington Heights offers a perfect blend of affordability and rich cultural life. It’s a popular spot for families, young professionals, and students. One of the things that stands out about this neighborhood is its strong Dominican community, which gives the area its vibrant energy, from the food to the festivals.
If you’re into history or just looking for some peaceful spots, The Cloisters, a branch of the Met dedicated to medieval European art, is in the neighborhood and a must-see. Plus, the stunning views of the George Washington Bridge and easy access to the Hudson River make it a scenic part of the city.
- Fun Things to Do in Washington Heights: Explore Fort Tryon Park and The Met Cloisters and visit local markets for authentic Latin American food.
- Cost of Living in Washington Heights: In Washington Heights, the median listing home price is $575k. You can expect median food costs to hover around $600/month and transportation at about $120/month. When you consider healthcare and childcare, the overall cost of living remains reasonable compared to downtown Manhattan.
- Subway Access: The A, C, and #1 trains provide easy access to downtown Manhattan, making it convenient for commuters.
3. East Harlem
If you're moving to Manhattan, don't overlook East Harlem, also known as El Barrio. This neighborhood is where history meets cultural richness. If you’re looking for an affordable yet lively neighborhood, East Harlem should be on your radar. It’s famous for its strong Latino community, with a deep-rooted Puerto Rican influence that you can feel in the music, art, and local cuisine.
This area has also seen a revival recently, thanks to some new developments, making it even more appealing to people moving to Manhattan.
One of the best parts of living in East Harlem is its charm—you’ll find local boutiques, affordable eats, and cultural spots like the Museum of the City of New York. The area retains its authentic New York vibe while offering more budget-friendly housing options.
- Best Places to Eat in East Harlem: Don’t miss Ricardo’s Steak House for hearty meals or La Chula for some of the best tacos in Manhattan.
- Cost of Living in East Harlem: In East Harlem, the median listing home price is $777k. Alongside rent, anticipate food costs of around $600/month and transportation of around $120/month. This balance makes it a feasible option for many new residents.
- Subway Access: You can quickly get anywhere on the 4,5 and 6 trains, which can take you across the Eastside.
4. Hamilton Heights
Hamilton Heights is one of those neighborhoods that gives you the charm of Manhattan without the steep prices. Nestled between Harlem and Washington Heights, it’s named after Alexander Hamilton. It boasts beautiful, historic brownstones along tree-lined streets, giving it a more relaxed feel than other parts of the city.
Hamilton Heights is growing when it comes to coffee shops, restaurants, and cultural spots, so there’s always something to check out. Furthermore, the neighborhood boasts an energetic vibe thanks to City College.
Hamilton Heights is a solid choice if you’re moving to Manhattan and looking for a mix of affordability and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Best Brunch Places in Hamilton Heights: Harlem Public is one of the best brunch places in Manhattan, while The Chipped Cup is a local coffee favorite.
- Cost of Living in Hamilton Heights: The median listing home price in Hamilton Heights is $675k. Food costs average about $600/month, and transportation expenses run around $120/month. With these costs combined, Hamilton Heights remains a competitive option for budget-conscious renters.
- Subway Access: The 1, A, B, C, and D trains connect Hamilton Heights to the rest of Manhattan.
5. Morningside Heights
Known for being the home of Columbia University, this area offers a collegiate atmosphere, with libraries, bookstores, and student-friendly hangouts dotting the neighborhood.
Although slightly more expensive than some northern neighborhoods, Morningside Heights is still more affordable than downtown Manhattan, offering easy access to Central Park and Riverside Park.
- Best Sushi Places in Morningside Heights: Try Maru Sushi for affordable sushi options near campus.
- Cost of Living in Morningside Heights: The median listing home price in Morningside Heights is $685k. Food costs can be around $600/month, while transportation is generally about $120/month. This makes Morningside Heights a decent option for students and young professionals.
- Subway Access: The nearest subway station to Morningside Heights in Manhattan is Cathedral Pkwy (110 St).
6. Yorkville
Situated on the Upper East Side, Yorkville is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Manhattan for those seeking an affordable alternative to the more luxurious parts of the Upper East Side. It has a quieter, family-friendly environment while being close to Central Park.
- Things to Do in Yorkville, NYC: A short subway ride from Yorkville will take you downtown, where you can explore iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Memorial.
- Cost of Living in Yorkville: The median listing home price in Yorkville is $975k. Food costs hover around $600/month, and transportation expenses are about $120/month, making it a well-rounded option for families and individuals alike.
- Subway Access: The Q, 4, 5, and 6 trains make commuting convenient.
7. Chinatown
Chinatown, located in Lower Manhattan, offers an eclectic mix of culture, food, shopping, and entertainment options. Chinatown is a strong choice for those moving to Manhattan who want to be close to the financial district. However, housing can still be relatively expensive. But for those seeking a lively neighborhood, the area has endless restaurants, markets, and cultural landmarks to explore.
It's also one of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for those who love authentic Asian cuisine.
- Best Sushi Places in Manhattan: We had to change the title of this heading because Chinatown boasts some of the best sushi places in Manhattan. Noreetuh and Cha Kee provide affordable yet high-quality sushi and other Asian fusion dishes.
- Cost of living in Chinatown: In Chinatown, the median listing home price is $837.5k. Food costs typically reach around $600/month, and transportation is about $120/month. While a mortgage may be on the high side compared to Morningside Heights and Hamilton Heights, the vibrant community makes it a worthwhile consideration.
- Subway Access: Take the N, Q, or R subway to Canal Street (Broadway) or the 6 to Canal Street (Lafayette Street).
8. Lower East Side
The Lower East Side is a historically working-class neighborhood that has seen both a revitalization and cultural preservation. Once known for its immigrant communities, this area blends trendy restaurants and bars with historic tenements.
The Lower East Side is an excellent place for young professionals and students moving to Manhattan who want nightlife and some level of affordability.
- Things to Do in the Lower East Side: Visit the Tenement Museum or spend the day at the Essex Market and dine at Katz’s Delicatessen.
- Cost of Living in the Lower East Side: The median listing home price is $885k in the Lower East Side. Food costs can range around $600/month, and transportation usually runs about $120/month. Living costs are somewhat manageable while letting residents enjoy the neighborhood's vibrant energy.
- Subway Access: The F, M, J, and Z trains serve the neighborhood, making travel convenient.
9. Upper Manhattan
Upper Manhattan is where Manhattan starts to get expensive but it does deliver all that the borough offers. Neighborhoods like Sugar Hill provide a rich cultural history and easy Midtown and Lower Manhattan subway access.
- Things to Do in Upper Manhattan: Visit historical sites like the Hamilton Grange National Memorial, enjoy scenic views along the Hudson River, grab a bite at The Hamilton for a taste of classic American cuisine, or check out the Apollo Theater for a live music experience.
- Cost of Living in Upper Manhattan: The median listing home price for Upper Manhattan is $1.4M. When combined with food costs of around $600/month and transportation at about $120/month, the cost of living can be quite high.
- Subway Access: A, B, C, and D trains provide convenient transportation to Midtown and other parts of the city.
10. Midtown East
Although Midtown East is famous for its upscale high-rises and its pricier housing market. Yet, it remains one of Manhattan’s most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods, with a residential and commercial mix. Midtown East is known for iconic landmarks like the United Nations Headquarters and the Chrysler Building.
- Things to Do in Midtown East: Stroll through Bryant Park or visit the iconic Grand Central Terminal. Midtown East offers various dining options, including some of the best sushi places in Manhattan like Sushi Yasuda.
- Cost of Living in Midtown East: The median listing home price is $1.5M in Midtown East. Food costs can range around $600/month, and transportation costs are about $120/month. Although costs can add up, the access to entertainment and dining options makes it a prime location for many.
- Subway Access: Arrive by the 4, 5, 6, and 7 trains. The nearest subway station to Midtown East in Manhattan is 51 St.
Is Living in Manhattan for You?
Living in Manhattan has a reputation for luxury and high costs, but it’s not impossible to find affordable, livable neighborhoods that suit various budgets and lifestyles. While Manhattan is known for its high housing costs, there are some neighborhoods where you can enjoy an energetic and exciting urban lifestyle without breaking the bank.
From the cultural richness of East Harlem to the scenic beauty of Yorkville, these neighborhoods offer relative affordability and enriching quality of life. Whether you're drawn to Washington Heights’ charm or Midtown East's bustling streets, you can determine where in Manhattan will deliver the vibe you want at a price you can afford.
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Manhattan?
The cost of living in Manhattan is among the highest in the United States but varies by neighborhood. For example, more affordable areas like Inwood and Washington Heights offer relatively lower housing costs, with median mortgage costs averaging around $2,000 and $2,200 monthly. On the other hand, locations such as the East Village and the Upper West Side are costly, with median mortgage costs ranging from around $3,500 to $4,200 per month for one- and two-bedroom apartments.
What are the most affordable places to live in Manhattan?
Costs of living will vary due to market factors but Inwood and East Harlem tend to be the most affordable places to live in Manhattan and offer great value.
Which are the best neighborhoods to live in Manhattan?
If moving to Manhattan, do your research about the best neighborhoods. Generally, the best neighborhood to live in Manhattan depends on what you’re looking for. Areas like Inwood, Washington Heights, and East Harlem are relatively affordable options with lots of attractive elements.
Where is the best place for families to live in Manhattan?
If you and your family are moving to Manhattan, consider Yorkville and Hamilton Heights. Both are great for families due to their quieter streets and proximity to parks and schools.
What are the best places to eat in Manhattan?
Manhattan offers some of the best places to eat in the world, from Sylvia’s in Harlem to the sushi spots in Chinatown like Noreetuh.
What are fun things to do in Lower Manhattan?
Lower Manhattan offers a range of activities, including exploring historic sites like the 9/11 Memorial, shopping in SoHo, or dining in Chinatown.
