Best Affordable Neighborhoods in New York, NY
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New York are Sugar Hill, Hamilton Heights, and Manhattanville. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in New York, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 31, 2026, the average rent in New York is $4,081, which is 2.8% 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.
Sugar Hill
Average Rent
$899/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
Units Available
37 Rentals
Sugar Hill is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $899. Compare this to the city average of $4,081. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Sugar Hill provides easy access to 145 Street (1 Line), 155 Street (B,D Line), and Jackie Robinson Park.
Hamilton Heights
Average Rent
$1,113/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
41 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in New York, Hamilton Heights might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,113, while the city’s average stands at $4,081. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.8%. Hamilton Heights is near Concourse Plaza, Manhattan School Of Music, and Hostos Community College.
Manhattanville
Average Rent
$1,949/Month
Units Available
12 Rentals
Manhattanville is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Manhattanville is $1,949 while the city average is $4,081. This is a 0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 135 Street (A,B,C Line), Harlem Usa, and Marcus Garvey Park.
Harlem
Average Rent
$2,466/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
Units Available
97 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.
Washington Heights
Average Rent
$2,696/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
22 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Washington Heights. The average rent is $2,696, compared to the city average of $4,081. Rent prices have increased by 1%. Washington Heights is convenient to Fort Washington Park, 155 Street (A,C Line), and The City College of New York.
Hudson Heights
Average Rent
$2,738/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
12 Rentals
Hudson Heights is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $2,738. Compare this to the city average of $4,081. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1%. Hudson Heights provides easy access to Newark Liberty International, 181 Street (1 Line), and Lehman College.
Upper Manhattan
Average Rent
$2,883/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.9%
Units Available
40 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in New York, Upper Manhattan might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,883, while the city’s average stands at $4,081. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.9%. Upper Manhattan is near Sherman Creek and Swindler Cove, John F Kennedy International, and 181 Street (1 Line).
Fort George
Average Rent
$3,029/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.1%
Units Available
17 Rentals
Fort George is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fort George is $3,029 while the city average is $4,081. This is a 1.1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Bronx Community College, Inwood Hill Park, and Roberto Clemente State Park.
Northern Manhattan
Average Rent
$3,218/Month
Units Available
514 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Northern Manhattan. The average rent is $3,218, compared to the city average of $4,081. Northern Manhattan is convenient to Bronx Terminal Market, The Hub, and Roger Morris Park.
East Harlem
Average Rent
$3,926/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.8%
Units Available
46 Rentals
East Harlem is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $3,926. Compare this to the city average of $4,081. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.8%. East Harlem provides easy access to Morningside Park, Dana Discovery Center, and Hostos Community College.
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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.