Most Affordable Neighborhoods in New York, NY

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New York are Manhattanville, Hudson 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 August 4, 2025, the average rent in New York is $4,022, which is 2.6% 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

$2,400/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

Manhattanville is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Manhattanville is $2,400 while the city average is $4,022. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to 137 Street-City College, Newark Liberty International, and Barnard College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.

Hudson Heights

Average Rent

$2,709/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

11 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Hudson Heights. The average rent is $2,709, compared to the city average of $4,022. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Hudson Heights is convenient to Monroe College, Bronx Campus, Bronx Community College, and The Shops at Marble Hill. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.

Washington Heights

Average Rent

$2,752/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

28 Rentals

Washington Heights is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $2,752. Compare this to the city average of $4,022. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Washington Heights provides easy access to Highbridge Park, LaGuardia, and J Hood Wright Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 95.

Upper Manhattan

Average Rent

$2,813/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

39 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 $2,813, while the city’s average stands at $4,022. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.3%. Upper Manhattan is near Lehman College, Roberto Clemente State Park, and Bronx Community College.

Fort George

Average Rent

$3,001/Month

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

Fort George is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Fort George is $3,001 while the city average is $4,022. This is a -0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Inwood Hill Park, Kingsbridge, and Yeshiva University, Wilf. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.

Harlem

Average Rent

$3,122/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

80 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

$3,465/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.6%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

46 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great New York neighborhood on a budget, check out Central Harlem. The average rent is $3,465, compared to the city average of $4,022. Rent prices have increased by 0.6%. Central Harlem is convenient to Columbia University, Marcus Garvey Park, and 125 Street (A,B,C,D Line). The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 97.

Northern Manhattan

Average Rent

$3,744/Month

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

504 Rentals

Northern Manhattan is an affordable neighborhood in New York with an average rent price of $3,744. Compare this to the city average of $4,022. Northern Manhattan provides easy access to 157 Street, Bronx Terminal Market, and 155 Street (B,D Line). It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 96.

East Harlem

Average Rent

$3,755/Month

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

42 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 $3,755, while the city’s average stands at $4,022. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0%. East Harlem is near Harlem Usa, Marcus Garvey Park, and Morningside Park.

Morningside Heights

Average Rent

$4,114/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

37 Rentals

Morningside Heights is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Morningside Heights is $4,114 while the city average is $4,022. This is a 0.7% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Riverside Park, Harlem Usa, and 125 Street (1 Line). The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 96.

Ready to make your move to New York? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.