Renters looking beyond New York City for a balance of price and proximity might want to consider a few New Jersey cities, like Hoboken ($3,750), Jersey City ($2,900), and Bayonne ($2,400). These nearby areas have strong transit connections that can get residents into New York quickly, and can offer substantial savings compared to NYC’s steep rents. As New York City’s median rent reaches $4,400, these nearby cities provide alternatives ranging from waterfront urban living to residential suburban comfort, all within a 15-45 minute commute to Manhattan via PATH trains, ferries, and buses.
Whether you’re seeking lower rent, more space, waterfront access, or easier parking, the cities near NYC deliver viable alternatives without sacrificing access to Manhattan’s unparalleled job market and cultural attractions. This guide explores nine New Jersey cities, each offering unique character and appeal for different renter priorities.
New Jersey Cities Near NYC: A Quick Comparison
These nine cities offer diverse options at varied price points. All median rents reflect November 2025 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 pricing.
| City | Median Rent | Monthly Savings | Distance | Commute Options | Best For |
| Hoboken | $3,750 | $650 | 5 mi W | PATH, ferry, bus | Urban living, nightlife |
| Jersey City | $2,900 | $1,500 | 7 mi W | PATH, ferry, light rail | Affordability, diversity |
| West New York | $2,800 | $1,600 | 7 mi NW | Bus to Port Authority | Budget, NYC views |
| Bayonne | $2,400 | $2,000 | 9 mi SW | Light rail, ferry | Maximum savings |
| Kearny | $2,300 | $2,100 | 10 mi W | PATH (via Harrison) | Industrial character |
| Guttenberg | $2,800 | $1,600 | 7 mi NW | Bus, NYC views | Small-town feel |
| Fairview | $2,000 | $2,400 | 8 mi NW | Bus | Residential calm |
| Secaucus | $2,745 | $1,655 | 8 mi W | NJ Transit hub | Commuters, shoppers |
| Fort Lee | $2,899 | $1,501 | 10 mi N | Bus via GW Bridge | Bridge access, Korean dining |
Why Consider Living Near New York City…in New Jersey?
The New York metro area, home to over 20 million people, offers renters a wide range of options beyond the five boroughs. NYC’s median household income for renters is approximately $70,000-80,000, yet the city’s $4,400 median rent requires an annual income of roughly $176,000 using the 30% budgeting guideline (where rent should not exceed 30% of your pre-tax monthly income). This makes New York wildly unaffordable for many people, and pushes renters to explore outside the city. New Jersey has a number of great options outside the 5 boroughs. (Although there are numerous cities for commuters to consider outside of this list, in both NJ and NY state).
Main Reasons Renters Look Beyond NYC:
Affordability: Cities like Fairview ($2,000), Bayonne ($2,400), and Kearny ($2,300) offer $2,000-2,400 monthly savings ($24,000-28,800 annually) versus NYC’s median.
More space: New Jersey apartments typically offer larger floor plans, in-unit laundry, and parking—amenities rare or expensive in NYC.
Parking included: Free parking is standard in most NJ cities, unlike NYC’s $200-400+ monthly parking costs.
Different pace: Cities like Guttenberg and Fairview offer quieter residential environments while maintaining access to NYC.
Waterfront living: Hoboken, Jersey City, and Edgewater offer Hudson River waterfronts with Manhattan skyline views—lifestyle perks rivaling NYC itself.
Trade-offs: Living in New Jersey means 15-45 minute commutes via PATH trains, ferries, or buses. You’ll have fewer immediate walkable entertainment options than Manhattan, though NYC’s attractions remain accessible. Some cities require transfers or bus-dependent commutes.
NJ Cities Near NYC for Renters
1. Hoboken: $3,750/month
Hoboken offers sophisticated urban living just 5 miles west of Manhattan at $3,750 median rent, saving $650 monthly versus NYC. This walkable city of 58,000 features Washington Street’s restaurant and bar scene, waterfront parks with Manhattan views, and PATH train service providing 10-15 minute rides to Manhattan. The city attracts young professionals seeking urban energy at slightly lower costs, and its nightlife rivals Manhattan’s.
Best for: Young professionals wanting an urban lifestyle, nightlife, and a minimal commute with modest NYC savings.
2. Jersey City: $2,900/month
Just 7 miles west of Manhattan, Jersey City delivers substantial value at $2,900, saving $1,500 monthly. This diverse city of 290,000 offers multiple neighborhoods, from waterfront high-rises in Newport to residential Journal Square, with PATH trains, light rail, and ferries providing varied access to Manhattan in 15-30 minutes. Liberty State Park, diverse international cuisine, and a growing Arts scene create genuine city character at accessible prices.
Best for: Renters seeking significant savings, neighborhood variety, and multiple transit options to Manhattan.
3. West New York: $2,800/month
Located 7 miles northwest of Manhattan, atop the Palisades cliffs, West New York saves $1,600 per month on a $2,800 rent. This densely populated town of 52,000 offers dramatic Manhattan skyline views, a strong Cuban community, and bus service to Port Authority (20-30 minutes). The hillside location creates a more residential feel than waterfront cities while maintaining convenient NYC access.
Best for: Budget-conscious renters who want NYC views and don’t mind bus-dependent commuting.
4. Bayonne: $2,400/month
Bayonne offers exceptional value at $2,400, saving $2,000 monthly ($24,000 annually). This peninsula city of 70,000 provides Hudson-Bergen Light Rail connection to PATH trains, plus NY Waterway ferry service for 35- to 45-minute commutes. The working-class residential character and waterfront parks along the Kill Van Kull create an authentic neighborhood feel at half the cost of NYC.
Best for: Maximum savings-focused renters willing to accept longer commutes for substantial affordability.
5. Kearny: $2,300/month
At a median rent of $2,300, Kearny offers the lowest rent among these nine New Jersey cities, saving $2,100 monthly. This industrial town of 41,000 sits 10 miles west with PATH access via Harrison and bus routes to Newark Penn Station. The working-class character and industrial landscape appeal to budget-focused renters prioritizing savings over amenities, with reliable Manhattan access in 30-40 minutes.
Best for: Budget-maximizers seeking the lowest costs with functional transit to Manhattan and Newark.
6. Guttenberg: $2,800/month
Guttenberg could save renters $1,600 each month. This is one of New Jersey’s smallest municipalities, with just 11,600 residents. Located 7 miles northwest of the city, with bus service to the Port Authority, this hillside town offers Manhattan views and a small-town community feel. The compact size creates genuine neighborhood character that’s rare in the metro area.
Best for: Renters seeking small-town atmosphere with big-city proximity and skyline views.
7. Fairview: $2,000/month
Fairview offers the region’s best value at $2,000, saving $2,400 monthly ($28,800 annually). This residential borough of 14,500 sits 8 miles northwest with bus service to NYC. The quiet character and family-oriented atmosphere of this city provide suburban living at exceptional prices for those comfortable with bus commutes of 30-40 minutes.
Best for: Maximum savings with residential calm, families, renters prioritizing affordability over nightlife.
8. Secaucus: $2,745/month
A strategic transportation hub 8 miles west of Manhattan, Secaucus saves $1,655 monthly. This town of 21,000 hosts Secaucus Junction—NJ Transit’s major transfer station, providing access to Manhattan via multiple lines in just 15 minutes. Outlet shopping at Harmon Cove and Meadowlands proximity adds convenience for commuters and shoppers.
Best for: NJ Transit commuters; frequent travelers; shoppers valuing transportation hub convenience.
9. Fort Lee: $2,899/month
Fort Lee, located 10 miles north of the George Washington Bridge, offers $1,501 in monthly savings at $2,899. This town of 40,000 features extensive Korean dining and shopping along Main Street, direct bus access to Manhattan (20-30 minutes), and Palisades Interstate Park. The established community and convenient bridge attract diverse renters.
Best for: George Washington Bridge commuters; Korean food enthusiasts; renters wanting established suburban character.
How to Choose the Right City Near NYC
Prioritize your commute: For Midtown Manhattan jobs, PATH cities (Hoboken, Jersey City) offer the fastest access. For Upper Manhattan, consider Fort Lee’s GW Bridge buses. Downtown workers benefit from Jersey City’s multiple ferry and PATH options.
Define your budget: Using the 30% guideline, Fairview ($2,000) requires an annual income of $80,000, Bayonne ($2,400) requires $96,000, and Hoboken ($3,750) requires $150,000. Calculate which cities fit your income comfortably.
Consider transit preferences: PATH trains offer subway-like reliability. Ferries provide scenic commutes. Buses work well but face potential traffic delays. Light rail requires transfers but serves residential areas.
Evaluate lifestyle priorities: Want nightlife and urban energy? Choose Hoboken. Seeking a family-friendly residential? Try Fairview or Guttenberg. Love international dining? Jersey City and Fort Lee excel.
Factor in total costs: include transit passes ($89-121 monthly), but recognize parking savings. Included parking offsets the higher rents in some cities compared to street-parking-challenged NYC neighborhoods.
Use the Zumper Rent Calculator to help you find your personalized rental budget and apartments that fit your financial criteria across the greater NYC area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cities Near NYC
What is the cheapest city near New York City?
Fairview has the lowest median rent at $2,000, followed by Kearny at $2,300. Both offer $2,100-2,400 monthly savings compared with NYC’s $4,400 median, while maintaining bus access to Manhattan in 30-40 minutes.
Which cities near NYC have PATH train access?
Hoboken and Jersey City offer direct PATH service to Manhattan. Kearny connects via PATH through Harrison. PATH provides subway-style service with 10-30 minute rides to Manhattan.
What are the best cities near NYC for families?
Fairview and Guttenberg excel for families, offering residential character, lower costs, and small-town atmospheres. With parks and family-oriented neighborhoods at accessible prices, Bayonne also appeals.
How long is the commute from these cities to NYC?
Commutes vary by city and destination. PATH cities (Hoboken, Jersey City) offer 10-30 minutes. Bus-dependent cities (West New York, Fort Lee, Fairview) typically see 20-40 minutes. Bayonne and Kearny require 35-45 minutes via light rail and transfers.
Are cities near NYC more affordable than NYC itself?
Yes, significantly. Fairview ($2,000) and Kearny ($2,300) offer over $2,000 monthly savings. Even urban Hoboken ($3,750) saves $650 monthly. However, factor in $90-120 monthly transit costs and consider commute time as a cost.
Which city near NYC is best for young professionals?
Hoboken is ideal, offering walkable urban living, extensive nightlife, waterfront parks, and 10-15 minute PATH rides to Manhattan. Jersey City also appeals with more affordable rents, neighborhood variety, and a strong restaurant scene.
Can you live car-free in cities near NYC?
Yes in PATH-connected cities (Hoboken, Jersey City) with strong walkability and transit, car-free living is possible. Other cities benefit from cars for local errands, though Manhattan commuters use transit. Parking availability in NJ cities makes car ownership more practical than in NYC.
What city near NYC has the best waterfront access?
Hoboken, Jersey City, and Bayonne offer Hudson River waterfronts with views of the Manhattan skyline, waterfront parks, and ferry access. Jersey City’s waterfront particularly features extensive parks, restaurants, and development along the Hudson.
Are there cities in New York State close to NYC?
Yes! There are many cities across New York—or even Connecticut—that are excellent for commuters. Some people even commute from Philadelphia, which is about 2 hours away by train. Some great New York options can be found on Long Island, accessible to midtown via the LIRR to Penn Station (e.g., Port Washington, Massapequa, Syosset, Farmingdale, etc) and north in counties along the Hudson, like White Plains, Ossining, Croton Falls, or Cold Spring.
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