The cheapest neighborhoods in NYC are Parkchester ($1,800), Pelham Bay ($1,995), and Riverdale ($2,040), offering rents 54-59% below the city’s $4,400 median.
These neighborhoods, concentrated primarily in the Bronx and outer Queens, save renters between $2,360 and $2,600 monthly ($28,320-$31,200 annually), making the five boroughs accessible to moderate-income earners seeking world-class career opportunities, cultural attractions, and unmatched transit connectivity.
Despite New York City’s high rent prices (it’s the most expensive market in the country), and general lack of affordability, choosing your neighborhood selectively can help make living in the five boroughs more achievable. There are dozens of neighborhoods across all 5 boroughs offering subway access, authentic community character, and significant savings while keeping residents connected to Manhattan’s job centers, for those who are willing or need to look outside the main or trendy hubs.
The 15 cheapest NYC neighborhoods, compared
These fifteen NYC neighborhoods offer diverse options for budget-conscious renters. All median rents reflect recent data from Zumper’s internal analysis across all bedroom counts and rental unit types (studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms, houses, condos, apartments) over a 30-day period to provide the most accurate neighborhood-level pricing.
| Neighborhood | Borough | Median Rent | Monthly Savings | % Below Median | Transit | Walk |
| Parkchester | Bronx | $1,800 | $2,600 | 59.1% | 10 | 10 |
| Pelham Bay | Bronx | $1,995 | $2,405 | 54.7% | 9 | 10 |
| Riverdale | Bronx | $2,040 | $2,360 | 53.6% | 9 | 9 |
| Kingsbridge | Bronx | $2,331 | $2,069 | 47.0% | 10 | 10 |
| Inwood | Manhattan | $2,337 | $2,064 | 46.9% | 10 | 10 |
| East Elmhurst | Queens | $2,350 | $2,050 | 46.6% | 10 | 10 |
| Briarwood | Queens | $2,350 | $2,050 | 46.6% | 10 | 10 |
| Bay Ridge | Brooklyn | $2,375 | $2,026 | 46.0% | 9 | 10 |
| Kew Gardens Hills | Queens | $2,395 | $2,005 | 45.6% | 10 | 10 |
| Flushing | Queens | $2,400 | $2,000 | 45.5% | 10 | 10 |
| Kew Gardens | Queens | $2,500 | $1,900 | 43.2% | 10 | 10 |
| Kensington | Brooklyn | $2,500 | $1,900 | 43.2% | 10 | 10 |
| Allerton | Bronx | $2,500 | $1,900 | 43.2% | 10 | 10 |
| Jackson Heights | Queens | $2,525 | $1,875 | 42.6% | 10 | 10 |
| Glendale | Queens | $2,525 | $1,875 | 42.6% | 9 | 10 |
What income do you need to rent in NYC?
NYC’s median rent of $4,400 requires an annual income of approximately $176,000 under the 30% budgeting guideline, which recommends that your rent should not exceed 30% of your pre-tax monthly income. NYC’s median household income is approximately $70,000-$80,000, indicating a significant affordability challenge, and a large proportion of NYC residents will be considered rent-burdened.
However, NYC’s most affordable neighborhoods dramatically expand access. Here is the recommended income for 5 of the cheapest areas in the 5 boroughs:
- Parkchester ($1,800): $72,000 annual income
- Pelham Bay ($1,995): $79,800 annual income
- Kingsbridge ($2,331): $93,240 annual income
- Flushing ($2,400): $96,000 annual income
- Jackson Heights ($2,525): $101,000 annual income
By targeting neighborhoods like Parkchester or Pelham Bay, renters earning $72,000-$80,000 can live more in line with the 30% guideline. In other words, these areas might make the city more accessible to teachers, nurses, nonprofit workers, and anyone building their career. However, this doesn’t mean that all apartments in these neighborhoods will be at that median—some will be cheaper, and some will be more expensive.
To help you identify exactly what you can afford with your income and expenses, use Zumper’s rent calculator. It can help identify apartments in the area you want to live in that fit your budget.
NYC’s most affordable neighborhoods
1. Parkchester: $1,800/month
Parkchester has a median rent of $2,600 below the city-wide average—59% below, making this the cheapest neighborhood in NYC. This planned Bronx community was built in the 1940s as a self-contained neighborhood with its own shopping center, movie theater, and landscaped courtyards. The Parkchester subway station serves the 6 train, connecting residents to Manhattan in under 30 minutes.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Budget-focused renters who want maximum NYC savings with excellent transit access.
2. Pelham Bay: $1,995/month
Pelham Bay, which is adjacent to Pelham Bay Park, a 2,700-acre park featuring Orchard Beach, horseback riding trails, and the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, has rent prices that can reach 55% cheaper than what you might find elsewhere in the city. The neighborhood maintains a residential, family-friendly character, while the 6 train provides direct access to Manhattan.
Transit access: 9/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts and renters seeking space, parks, and a nature escape at an exceptional value.
3. Riverdale: $2,040/month
Riverdale is an affluent hillside Bronx neighborhood overlooking the Hudson River, home to the Wave Hill public garden, Van Cortlandt Park, and tree-lined streets that create a suburban atmosphere. The 1 train connects to Manhattan, though the hilly terrain gives this area a distinct character within NYC.
Transit access: 9/10 | Walkability: 9/10
Best for: Renters seeking a suburban atmosphere, river views, and residential calm while staying in NYC.
4. Kingsbridge: $2,331/month
Kingsbridge in the Northwest Bronx offers significant savings for renters (roughly $2,069 monthly) and access to multiple subway lines (1, 4, B, D trains). The neighborhood features authentic local shops along West 231st Street and Kingsbridge Avenue, as well as proximity to Van Cortlandt Park for outdoor recreation.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Renters wanting excellent transit, walkability, and authentic Bronx neighborhood character.
5. Inwood: $2,337/month
The most affordable Manhattan neighborhood, Inwood, offers renters the chance to live in Manhattan for $2,337 per month—a significant discount from New York’s $4,400 median. Adjacent to Inwood Hill Park, with its natural forest and Native American caves, the area features a vibrant Dominican community along Dyckman Street. The A train provides express service to Midtown.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Renters who want Manhattan addresses and subway access at outer-borough prices.
6. East Elmhurst: $2,350/month
East Elmhurst in Queens, near LaGuardia Airport, could offer renters $2,050 in monthly savings, given its 47% difference from the city’s median. The neighborhood features residential streets, proximity to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the 7 train, and extensive bus service connecting to multiple transit lines.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Airport workers; frequent travelers; renters seeking residential living in Queens with access to Manhattan.
7. Briarwood: $2,350/month
Briarwood is a central Queens neighborhood, near Jamaica Avenue’s shopping corridor, which offers proximity to both Forest Park and the Queens Center Mall, with the E and F trains for quick access to Manhattan.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Renters prioritizing fast Manhattan commutes with Queens affordability and space.
8. Bay Ridge: $2,375/month
Bay Ridge is Southwest Brooklyn’s family-friendly neighborhood. The area features bustling commercial strips along Third, Fifth, and Seventh Avenues with diverse dining options, plus the Shore Road Greenway along the Narrows waterfront. The R train connects to Manhattan.
Transit access: 9/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Families and renters seeking Brooklyn character, restaurant variety, and a strong community atmosphere.
9. Kew Gardens Hills: $2,395/month
Located in residential Queens near Queens College and Cunningham Park, Kew Gardens Hills has a median rent of $2,395. The neighborhood offers quiet tree-lined streets, a strong Orthodox Jewish community, and access to Main Street Flushing’s shopping via local buses.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Students, educators, and families seeking quiet residential living in Queens.
10. Flushing: $2,400/month
Flushing is a vibrant area known for its Asian food and community. Here, renters may save up to $2,000 per month, since the average rent in this area is about 45% lower than the citywide average. The 7 train terminus anchors downtown Flushing’s bustling commercial district, featuring authentic Asian supermarkets, restaurants, bakeries, and shopping malls. The area rivals Manhattan’s energy and diversity at half the cost.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Asian food enthusiasts; cultural diversity seekers; renters wanting urban energy with affordability.
11. Kew Gardens: $2,500/month
Known for its Tudor-style architecture and tree-canopied streets, rents in Kew Gardens are about $1,900 below New York’s median rent. The neighborhood features the historic Kew Gardens cinema, plenty of shopping along Lefferts Boulevard, and immediate access to Forest Park’s 538 acres. E and F trains provide express Manhattan service.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Renters seeking architectural beauty, park access, and refined Queens character.
12. Kensington: $2,500/month
Kensington in South Brooklyn, between Borough Park and Midwood, is $1,900, or 43%, below NYC’s overall median. The neighborhood is home to a diverse community, with shopping along Church Avenue and McDonald Avenue, and is close to Prospect Park and Brooklyn College. The F train connects to Manhattan.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Families seeking an authentic Brooklyn neighborhood feel with excellent transit access.
13. Allerton: $2,500/month
Allerton, in the East Bronx along the busy White Plains Road commercial corridor, can help renters save $1,900 per month compared to the citywide median. The area has shopping and dining nearby, with the 2 and 5 trains providing direct access to Manhattan and connections throughout the Bronx.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Renters wanting reliable Bronx affordability with excellent subway access.
14. Jackson Heights: $2,525/month
Jackson Heights has a median rent 43% below the city-wide average of $4,400. It is Queens’ most culturally diverse neighborhood. Roosevelt Avenue serves as the commercial heart with authentic Indian, Colombian, Mexican, and Ecuadorian restaurants and shops. The historic garden apartment complexes and access to five subway lines (7, E, F, M, and R) make this a unique NYC neighborhood.
Transit access: 10/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: International food lovers; cultural diversity seekers; renters wanting NYC living at affordable prices.
15. Glendale: $2,525/month
On the Queens-Brooklyn border near the Evergreen Cemeteries, Glendale features quiet residential streets with a strong German-American heritage, Myrtle Avenue shopping, and easy access to Forest Park. The M train connects to Manhattan.
Transit access: 9/10 | Walkability: 10/10
Best for: Families prioritizing residential calm, space, and quiet streets with subway access.
Why are these NYC neighborhoods affordable?
Geographic location: Most affordable neighborhoods are in the Bronx, eastern Queens, and outer Brooklyn, which are farther from Manhattan’s core but still connected to the city by NYC’s subway system, with 40-60 minute travel times to Midtown.
Perfect transit infrastructure: Unlike affordable neighborhoods in other cities, NYC’s outer areas maintain perfect or near-perfect transit scores (9-10), ensuring convenient subway access to opportunity.
Complete walkability: Walk scores of 9-10 mean groceries, services, restaurants, and necessities are within reasonable walking distance, eliminating car costs.
Authentic character: These are genuine NYC neighborhoods with distinct identities: Flushing’s Asian vitality, Jackson Heights’ global diversity, Bay Ridge’s family feel, and Inwood’s Dominican culture.
Tips for renting in the most affordable neighborhoods in NYC
- Prioritize subway lines: The 6, 7, E, F trains serve many affordable neighborhoods with reliable Manhattan access. Research frequency and late-night service.
- Move quickly: Since competition for rental units can be high, have pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, references, and ID ready when viewing apartments.
- Consider roommates: Splitting a $2,400 Flushing apartment means $1,200 each, requiring an annual income of just $48,000 per person.
- Factor car-free savings: Perfect transit and walk scores enable truly car-free living, saving $5,000-10,000+ annually. This massive savings offsets higher rent.
- Visit during different times: Experience neighborhoods during rush hour, evenings, and weekends to understand the commute reality and vibe.
Frequently asked questions about the cheapest NYC neighborhoods
What is the cheapest neighborhood in New York City?
Parkchester in the Bronx is NYC’s cheapest neighborhood at $1,800 median rent—$2,600 below the citywide median and 59% cheaper. With perfect 10/10 transit and walk scores, Parkchester offers the 6 train to Manhattan and complete neighborhood services.
Where is rent cheapest in New York City?
Rent is cheapest in the Bronx and eastern Queens. The top five neighborhoods: Parkchester ($1,800), Pelham Bay ($1,995), Riverdale ($2,040), Kingsbridge ($2,331), and Inwood ($2,337). All offer transit scores of 9-10 with strong subway connections.
What are the most affordable neighborhoods in New York City?
Neighborhoods offering the best balance of price and accessibility: Parkchester ($1,800, perfect transit), Inwood ($2,337, Manhattan address), Flushing ($2,400, Asian hub), Jackson Heights ($2,525, global diversity), and Bay Ridge ($2,375, Brooklyn family feel). All maintain 9-10 transit and walk scores.
Where can you live cheaply in New York City?
Living cheaply depends on your circumstances, but generally speaking, renters can live more affordably throughout the Bronx (Parkchester, Pelham Bay, Riverdale, Kingsbridge, Allerton), eastern Queens (Flushing, Jackson Heights, Briarwood, East Elmhurst, Kew Gardens), and outer Brooklyn (Bay Ridge, Kensington). All maintain excellent transit connections, with savings of 43-59%.
What neighborhoods are under $2,500 in New York City?
Ten NYC neighborhoods are under $2,500: Parkchester ($1,800), Pelham Bay ($1,995), Riverdale ($2,040), Kingsbridge ($2,331), Inwood ($2,337), East Elmhurst ($2,350), Briarwood ($2,350), Bay Ridge ($2,375), Kew Gardens Hills ($2,395), and Flushing ($2,400). All save 46-59%.
What’s the cheapest area to rent near Manhattan?
Inwood, in northern Manhattan, offers the lowest rent in Manhattan at $2,337, saving $2,064 monthly (47% below the city’s median rent). For non-Manhattan options with quick access, consider Kingsbridge in the Bronx ($2,331) or Jackson Heights in Queens ($2,525).
Can you live car-free in NYC’s affordable neighborhoods?
Yes. Car-free living is one of NYC’s greatest advantages. All of the neighborhoods featured in this article score 9-10 for transit and walkability, meaning subway access plus neighborhood services within walking distance.
How much can you save by choosing an affordable NYC neighborhood?
Choosing NYC’s most affordable neighborhoods could save you $22,500 to $31,200 annually, depending on when and where you rent. Parkchester saves $31,200/year, Pelham Bay saves $28,860/year, and Kingsbridge saves $24,828/year.
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