Living in New York, NY

New York, NY

Big Apple, yellow cabs and hot dogs.
Photo by Colton Duke
85
Score

The Big Apple, where dreams are made, skyscrapers soar, and the grind is relentless.

From iconic yellow cabs, the bright lights of Broadway, and hot dog stands to the glamour of Fifth Avenue and charm of Greenwich Village.

Lose yourself in Times Square, try food from around the world, and soak up breathtaking views from the top of the Empire State Building.

The Good

  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Excellent nightlife
  • ๐Ÿคค Great food options
  • ๐Ÿœ Streetfood
  • โ˜• Coffee
  • ๐Ÿ’ผ Plenty of places to work
  • ๐Ÿฆ„ Strong nomad community
  • ๐Ÿ‘ด Strong ex-pat community
  • ๐Ÿ“ก Strong wifi coverage
  • ๐Ÿš€ Fast wifi
  • ๐ŸšŒ Good public transport
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Architecture
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Shopping
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Amazing hotels

The Bad

  • ๐Ÿค‘ Expensive
  • ๐Ÿจ High cost of accomodation
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฎ Not the safest
  • ๐Ÿš˜ Traffic
  • ๐Ÿ—‘๏ธ Pollution
  • ๐Ÿฅถ Cold winters
  • ๐Ÿฅด Can get a little rowdy
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Very Touristy
  • ๐Ÿคผ Crowded

Living costs

Estimated Monthly Living Cost
New York
Cheapest () Costliest ()
United States
57%
more expensive than United States median
290th
Cheapest out of 291 RoamRank places
  • New York is the most expensive place (out of 14) to live in United States
  • The average salary in New York is
  • It's about 70% more expensive to live in New York than it is Athens
  • You can expect to spend around $5,502.00 per month living here

Work

Internet
60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data
PAYG Sim Card
30 Day / Unlimited Data
--
Airalo eSim
Global eSims for Instant Connectivity
Buy
Coffee
Regular (8-10oz)
Co-Working Space
Per Month
--

Living

Apartment (1 bed)
Median Rent Per Month
Apartment (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Airbnb (2 beds)
Median Rent Per Month
--
Utilities
Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage Collection Per Month
Water
0.33 liter bottle

Leisure

Meal
Cheap Restaurant
Meal for 2
Mid Range Restaurant
Local Beer
330ml Bottle
Cocktail
Standard Measure
--
Bottle of Wine
Mid range
Gym Membership
Per Month
Cigarettes
20 pack
Cinema
Admission Per Person
  • Prices are estimates and should be used as a guide only. We accept no responsibility for inaccuracies in data.
  • Prices adjusted to reflect exchange rates as of 3rd Jun 2026

Safety

safe

While New York has areas with higher crime rates, many neighbourhoods are safe and well-patrolled, making it generally safe for visitors.

Where to stay

1. Manhattan

As the heart of New York City, Manhattan is a top choice for tourists. It offers attractions like Times Square, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. It also provides loads of accommodation choice, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, making it suitable for backpackers. Digital nomads will appreciate the numerous co-working spaces and easy access to amenities.

2. Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Known for its arts and music scene, Williamsburg has become a trendy neighbourhood popular among digital nomads and backpackers. It offers a mix of hipster cafes, boutique shops, and a lively nightlife. Williamsburg also provides a more affordable alternative to Manhattan while still offering easy access to the city's attractions.

3. Dumbo, Brooklyn

Sat beneath the Manhattan Bridge, Dumbo is a magnet for creatives, foodies, and urban explorers. walk along cobblestone streets, take in the skyline, and enjoy the art scene. From converted warehouses housing trendy cafes to waterfront parks offering Instagram-worthy moments.

4. Bushwick, Brooklyn

This up-and-coming neighbourhood has gained popularity among the creative crowd. Bushwick is known for its street art, galleries, and an underground music scene. It offers a mix of cheap accommodation and a fun atmosphere that appeals to backpackers and digital nomads seeking a more offbeat experience.

5. Astoria, Queens

Astoria combines a diverse community, loads of dining options, and a lively nightlife scene. It offers a more relaxed and residential atmosphere compared to Manhattan or Brooklyn. There are tons of accommodation options, including budget-friendly and short-term rentals, making it suitable for all types of travellers.

6. Long Island City, Queens

Sat across the East River from Manhattan, Long Island City has undergone significant development in recent years. It offers a growing number of hotels, apartment complexes, and co-working spaces. Its proximity to Manhattan makes it convenient for both tourists and digital nomads.

Internet speed

Superb

Download
175Mbps
Upload
24.5Mbps
Latency
69ms
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Time difference

New York

Who it suits

Places near New York

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