Can I Afford to Live in New York?
New York - World-class city life, diverse economy, but high costs outside NYC. See median rent, home values, and the most affordable ZIP codes below.
Find ZIP Codes You Can Afford in New York
Enter your salary to see neighborhoods in your budget.
🏠 To Buy in New York
With median home value of $380,000, you'd typically need an income of at least $95,000/year and a down payment of $38,000 (10%).
🏘️ To Rent in New York
With median rent of $1,850/month, you should earn at least $67K/year (30% rent-to-income rule). This is above the US median of $1,163/mo.
💰 Median Income
New York residents earn a median household income of $76,143/year. Rent takes approximately 29% of median income.
Most Affordable ZIP Codes in New York
Ranked by lowest median rent, minimum population 3,000+
| # | ZIP · City | Rent/mo | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10451 Bronx | $628 | 46 |
| 2 | 10456 Bronx | $679 | 44 |
| 3 | 10002 New York | $888 | 48 |
| 4 | 11206 Brooklyn | $977 | 49 |
| 5 | 11354 Flushing | $1,108 | 66 |
| 6 | 11209 Brooklyn | $1,142 | 68 |
| 7 | 10025 New York | $1,203 | 66 |
| 8 | 10301 Staten Island | $1,359 | 60 |
| 9 | 10036 New York | $1,847 | 73 |
| 10 | 11201 Brooklyn | $1,903 | 76 |
| 11 | 10001 New York | $1,957 | 79 |
| 12 | 10003 New York | $2,020 | 77 |
| 13 | 11215 Brooklyn | $2,025 | 74 |
| 14 | 10011 New York | $2,659 | 82 |
| 15 | 10016 New York | $3,168 | 85 |
| 16 | 10021 New York | $3,311 | 86 |
| 17 | 10065 New York | $3,454 | 88 |
Top-Rated Neighborhoods in New York
Highest ZipScore - best combination of safety, schools, and quality of life
FAQs: Living in New York
What salary do I need to live comfortably in New York?
To live comfortably in New York, you'd want to earn at least $66,600/year to rent at the median price without being cost-burdened (spending more than 30% of income on housing). To buy at the median home price of $380,000, aim for a salary of $95,000+.
Is New York expensive to live in?
New York has a median rent of $1,850/month, which is above the US national median of $1,163. Cost varies significantly by city and neighborhood - the table above shows the most affordable ZIP codes in New York.
What is the most affordable city in New York?
The most affordable ZIP codes in New York are ranked in the table above by median rent. Smaller cities and suburbs typically offer significantly lower costs than the major metro areas. Click any ZIP code to see its full neighborhood profile.