Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Queens, NY

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Queens are Douglaston Park, Northeast Queens, and Southeast Queens. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Queens, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of February 6, 2026, the average rent in Queens is $3,492, 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.

Douglaston Park

Average Rent

$2,550/Month

TransitScore® Rating

59/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

Douglaston Park is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Douglaston Park is $2,550 while the city average is $3,492. Residents enjoy convenient access to York College, Queensborough Comm. Coll., and Little Neck Plaza. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 86.

Northeast Queens

Average Rent

$2,662/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

78/100

Units Available

93 Rentals

Located along the East River, Northeast Queens provides a peaceful environment ideal for those seeking tranquility without straying too far from the city's buzz. Northeast Queens contains several popular neighborhoods, including Bayside, Kew Gardens Hills, and Murray Hill. This part of Queens is known for its top-ranking schools and community amenities.

Southeast Queens

Average Rent

$2,700/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

83/100

Units Available

114 Rentals

Southeast Queens begins along Jamaica Bay and stretches north toward Queens. The area’s charming neighborhoods provide a suburban feel, but residents enjoy easy access to destinations like Manhattan and JFK Airport. The area is home to several parks, perfect for weekend picnics and recreational activities.

Central Queens

Average Rent

$2,747/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.3%

TransitScore® Rating

86/100

Units Available

91 Rentals

Central Queens is a large area filled with smaller neighborhoods, including Elmhurst, Corona, Flushing, and Maspeth. This area boasts excellent transportation options, ensuring easy access to Manhattan and other parts of New York City. Additionally, parks like Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Rockaway Beach provide residents with ample outdoor activities.

Flushing Meadows

Average Rent

$2,757/Month

TransitScore® Rating

96/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Queens neighborhood on a budget, check out Flushing Meadows. The average rent is $2,757, compared to the city average of $3,492. Flushing Meadows is convenient to John F Kennedy International, Queens College, and Mets-Willets Point. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 56.

Ditmars Steinway

Average Rent

$2,818/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

76/100

Units Available

11 Rentals

Ditmars Steinway is an affordable neighborhood in Queens with an average rent price of $2,818. Compare this to the city average of $3,492. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.9%. Ditmars Steinway provides easy access to Travers Park, LaGuardia, and Astoria. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 89.

LeFrak City

Average Rent

$3,096/Month

TransitScore® Rating

98/100

Units Available

23 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Queens, LeFrak City might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,096, while the city’s average stands at $3,492. LeFrak City is near St. John's University, LaGuardia Community College, and Juniper Valley Park.

Forest Hills Ward

Average Rent

$3,232/Month

TransitScore® Rating

100/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

Forest Hills Ward is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Forest Hills Ward is $3,232 while the city average is $3,492. Residents enjoy convenient access to Expressway Shopping Center, Yellowstone Shopping Center, and York College. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 93.

Northwestern Queens

Average Rent

$3,375/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

TransitScore® Rating

90/100

Units Available

91 Rentals

Renters in Northwestern Queens enjoy excellent views of Manhattan, located across the East River from the Upper East Side. Northwestern Queens attracts renters with its eclectic dining scene and artsy atmosphere while remaining budget friendly. The neighborhood's efficient public transportation network ensures residents can easily commute to work or explore the city.

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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.