Written by
Affordably NYC Team, Local Financial Experts
Last updated
August 5, 2025
NYC Cost-of-Living Calculator 2025
Subway fare: $2.90. Median rent Manhattan: $4,100/mo. NYC tax rate: 3.876%. Calculate your real monthly budget by borough with updated 2025 data.
Cost of Living Calculator
Salary Adjustment
🏙️ Average Rent (1BR)
- Manhattan:$4,100
- Brooklyn:$3,000
- Queens:$2,400
- Bronx:$1,900
- Staten Island:$1,700
Living in New York City: Real Costs by Borough
New York City remains one of the most expensive cities in the US, but costs vary significantly across the five boroughs. Manhattan leads with the highest rents, while the Bronx and Staten Island offer more affordable options. This calculator helps you estimate your real monthly budget based on your lifestyle and specific location.
Major Cost Breakdown
Rent typically consumes 30-50% of budgets in NYC. Public transportation costs $132/month with unlimited MetroCard, a significant savings versus owning a car. Groceries cost 20-40% more than the national average, and dining out is an integral part of NYC culture. Don't forget the 3.876% city tax on top of state and federal taxes.
Money-Saving Tips for NYC
Consider up-and-coming neighborhoods in Queens or the Bronx for lower rents. Share an apartment to split costs. Use public transit instead of Uber. Cook at home more often and take advantage of happy hours. Many museums have free days or "pay what you wish" hours. Parks provide free entertainment year-round.
Popular Neighborhood Comparison
| Neighborhood | Borough | Studio | 1BR | Time to Midtown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper East Side | Manhattan | $3,500 | $4,500 | 15 min |
| Williamsburg | Brooklyn | $3,200 | $4,000 | 20 min |
| Astoria | Queens | $2,200 | $2,800 | 25 min |
| Park Slope | Brooklyn | $2,800 | $3,500 | 30 min |
| Jackson Heights | Queens | $1,800 | $2,200 | 35 min |
💰 Typical Monthly Budget (Young Professional)
Fixed Expenses
- Rent (1BR Queens)$2,400
- MetroCard$132
- Utilities$150
- Internet$70
- Phone$40
Variable Expenses
- Groceries$400
- Dining Out$400
- Entertainment$200
- Miscellaneous$200
Recommended salary: $80,000+ (after NYC taxes)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in NYC in 2025?
The average monthly cost for a single person in NYC is $3,500-$5,000. This includes rent ($2,400-$4,100 for 1BR), transportation ($132 MetroCard), food ($800-$1,200), and utilities ($260).
Which is the cheapest borough to live in NYC?
The Bronx is generally the most affordable borough with average 1BR rents at $1,900. Staten Island ($1,700) is also economical but requires ferry commute. Queens offers good value at $2,400 for 1BR with easy Manhattan access.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in NYC?
To live comfortably in NYC, you need to earn at least $75,000-$100,000 annually. This allows covering rent (30% of income), saving 20%, and having enough for food, transport, and entertainment after NYC (3.876%) and NY state (6.85%) taxes.