Most Affordable Neighborhoods in New York, NY
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New York are Manhattanville, Hamilton Heights, and Washington Heights. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in New York, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of June 16, 2025, the average rent in New York is $4,042, which is 3.2% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Manhattanville
Average Rent
$2,422/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
18 Rentals
Manhattanville is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Manhattanville is $2,422 while the city average is $4,042. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Columbia University, Newark Liberty International, and St. Nicholas Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
Hamilton Heights
Average Rent
$2,659/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Hamilton Heights. The average rent is $2,659, compared to the city average of $4,042. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Hamilton Heights is convenient to Hostos Community College, Barnard College, and Northern Manhattan Parks. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 98.
Washington Heights
Average Rent
$2,691/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.5%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
Washington Heights is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $2,691. Compare this to the city average of $4,042. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Washington Heights provides easy access to Concourse Plaza, The City College of New York, and Newark Liberty International. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.
Hudson Heights
Average Rent
$2,730/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.8%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in New York, Hudson Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,730, while the city’s average stands at $4,042. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.8%. Hudson Heights is near Fort Lee Towne Center, 191 Street, and The Shops at Marble Hill.
Upper Manhattan
Average Rent
$2,735/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
44 Rentals
Upper Manhattan is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Upper Manhattan is $2,735 while the city average is $4,042. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Monroe College, Bronx Campus, 190 Street, and Roberto Clemente State Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 94.
Fort George
Average Rent
$2,948/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Fort George. The average rent is $2,948, compared to the city average of $4,042. Rent prices have decreased by 0.1%. Fort George is convenient to Fort Tryon Park, Kingsbridge, and Monroe College, Bronx Campus. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.
Harlem
Average Rent
$2,982/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
99 Rentals
Known for its jazz clubs and soul food eateries, Harlem offers a rich cultural history for new and longtime residents. Renters will find tree-lined streets and brownstones that provide a charming atmosphere. They'll also find neighborhood parks and gardens offering peaceful retreats from city life.
Central Harlem
Average Rent
$3,332/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
66 Rentals
Central Harlem is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $3,332. Compare this to the city average of $4,042. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Central Harlem provides easy access to Manhattan School Of Music, 135 Street (A,B,C Line), and Harlem Usa. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 97.
East Harlem
Average Rent
$3,577/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in New York, East Harlem might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,577, while the city’s average stands at $4,042. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.8%. East Harlem is near Hostos Community College, Manhattan School Of Music, and Marcus Garvey Park.
Northern Manhattan
Average Rent
$3,726/Month
TransitScore® Rating
100/100
Units Available
534 Rentals
Northern Manhattan is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northern Manhattan is $3,726 while the city average is $4,042. Residents enjoy convenient access to Jackie Robinson Park, 155 Street (A,C Line), and 163 Street-Amsterdam Avenue. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.