How much does a room cost in NYC per month?

How Much Is a Room in NYC? (2026 Guide)

Short Answer

Expect about $1,300–$1,700 per month city-wide for a room in New York City. You can still find cheaper pockets under $1,000, while many Manhattan listings exceed $1,700.

The most recent roommate market data shows the NYC metro average room rent is around $1,514/month (Q3–Q4 2025), which remains a strong benchmark heading into 2026.

Average Room Rent by Borough

Manhattan

  • Uptown (Harlem, Inwood): ~$1,000–$1,500

  • Central & Downtown: Often $1,600+, sometimes well above
    Manhattan commands the highest prices due to proximity to jobs, nightlife, and transit hubs.

Brooklyn

  • Bushwick / Bed-Stuy / Crown Heights: ~$900–$1,300
    Prime neighborhoods closer to Manhattan or along major subway lines trend higher.

Queens

  • Astoria / Ridgewood / Jackson Heights: ~$900–$1,200
    Queens offers strong value with good transit access and larger apartments.

The Bronx

  • Most neighborhoods: ~$700–$1,100
    Some areas range higher depending on transit access and new developments, but it’s still the most affordable borough overall.

Why NYC Room Prices Vary So Much

Neighborhood & Commute

The closer you are to Manhattan’s core, the more you’ll pay. Commute time is one of the biggest pricing factors.

Apartment Market Pressure

Citywide studio and one-bedroom rents remain extremely high, which pushes up demand and pricing for shared apartments.

Lease Type & Inclusions

  • Furnished rooms

  • Utilities included

  • Co-living setups
    These typically cost more than unfurnished, bare-bones rooms.

Seasonality

  • Winter (January–March): Often slightly cheaper as demand dips

  • Late spring & summer: Most competitive and expensive

NYC Room Rent Budget: Rule of Thumb

Budget Targets for 2026

  • $1,000–$1,300: Good Brooklyn or Queens deals

  • $1,300–$1,700: Manhattan or prime Brooklyn neighborhoods

  • $700–$1,100: Bronx (more space, longer commutes)

Bottom Line

Room rents in NYC remain expensive, but strategic neighborhood choices and timing can save hundreds per month. For most renters, targeting Brooklyn, Queens, or upper Manhattan offers the best balance between cost, space, and commute in 2026.

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