New York City · Budget
New York City apartments under $2,500/month
Under $2,500 unlocks 1-beds in premium buildings or 2-beds in mid-tier areas. Lots of options at this budget for international students. The neighborhoods below in New York City fit this budget.
Best neighborhoods under $2,500/month in New York City
Morningside Heights
Morningside Heights is Columbia's home neighborhood. International grad students cluster here for proximity to campus, the libraries, and the long-established community of nearby grocery stores and restaurants.
$1,800 – $5,500/mo
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is NYU's home in lower Manhattan. Living within 10 minutes of Washington Square is a status symbol — and a budget challenge — for international NYU students.
$2,200 – $7,000/mo
East Village
East Village is a slightly cheaper, edgier alternative to Greenwich Village for NYU students. 10-15 minutes to campus by foot.
$1,900 – $4,800/mo
Harlem
Harlem (south of 145th) is a more affordable Columbia adjacent option. Many grad students live between 110th and 135th for the price-to-commute ratio.
$1,500 – $3,800/mo
Upper West Side
Upper West Side is family-friendly, close to Central Park, and a popular choice for Columbia and Fordham Lincoln Center grad students who want quiet.
$2,200 – $6,000/mo
Murray Hill
Murray Hill (East 30s) is a popular post-grad and grad student neighborhood — high-rises, doorman buildings, easy commute to NYU and midtown.
$2,400 – $5,200/mo
Universities in New York City
Frequently asked questions
Can I really find apartments under $2,500/month in New York City?
Yes — 6 of our covered New York City neighborhoods have units under $2,500/month, especially Morningside Heights, Greenwich Village, East Village.
Will I need a roommate to stay under $2,500/month in New York City?
Often yes — sharing a 2-bed is the most reliable way to stay under $2,500/month in New York City without sacrificing safety or commute.