Best Affordable Neighborhoods in New York, NY
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New York are Manhattanville, Washington Heights, and Upper Manhattan. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in New York, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of May 19, 2026, the average rent in New York is $4,128, which is 1.8% 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
$2,419/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.2%
Units Available
13 Rentals
Manhattanville is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $2,419. Compare this to the city average of $4,128. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 7.2%. Manhattanville provides easy access to 137 Street-City College, Marcus Garvey Park, and The Marketplace At Edgewater.
Washington Heights
Average Rent
$2,691/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
16 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in New York, Washington Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,691, while the city’s average stands at $4,128. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.8%. Washington Heights is near Northern Manhattan Parks, Bronx Community College, and LaGuardia.
Upper Manhattan
Average Rent
$2,809/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
Units Available
34 Rentals
Upper Manhattan is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Upper Manhattan is $2,809 while the city average is $4,128. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 181 Street (1 Line), Highbridge Park, and 191 Street.
Harlem
Average Rent
$3,460/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.1%
Units Available
71 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.
East Harlem
Average Rent
$3,893/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
49 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out East Harlem. The average rent is $3,893, compared to the city average of $4,128. Rent prices have increased by 1%. East Harlem is convenient to Manhattan School Of Music, Marcus Garvey Park, and Triangle Plaza.
Central Harlem
Average Rent
$4,009/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
45 Rentals
Central Harlem is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $4,009. Compare this to the city average of $4,128. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.8%. Central Harlem provides easy access to St. Nicholas Park, The City College of New York, and LaGuardia.
Tudor City
Average Rent
$4,558/Month
Units Available
21 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in New York, Tudor City might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $4,558, while the city’s average stands at $4,128. Tudor City is near Gantry Plaza State Park, Berkeley College-New York, and Sony Wonder Technology Lab.
Morningside Heights
Average Rent
$4,844/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.1%
Units Available
30 Rentals
Morningside Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Morningside Heights is $4,844 while the city average is $4,128. This is a -0.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Newark Liberty International, 125 Street (A,B,C,D Line), and The Marketplace At Edgewater.
Lenox Hill
Average Rent
$5,092/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.6%
Units Available
91 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Lenox Hill. The average rent is $5,092, compared to the city average of $4,128. Rent prices have increased by 1.6%. Lenox Hill is convenient to Central Park, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty International.
Meatpacking District
Average Rent
$5,179/Month
Units Available
14 Rentals
Meatpacking District is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $5,179. Compare this to the city average of $4,128. Meatpacking District provides easy access to Technical Career Institutes, Stevens Inst. of Technology, and Union Square South.
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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.