Where to Stay in New York City on a Budget

Let’s be honest: New York is expensive. Accommodation can eat up half your travel budget if you’re not careful. But staying in NYC doesn’t have to mean blowing your savings or crashing in a 20 bed hostel dorm.

Here’s a practical guide to where to stay in New York if you want to save money without giving up safety, cleanliness, or basic comfort.

1. Think Beyond Manhattan

Yes, everyone wants to stay in Manhattan. It’s central, it’s iconic… and it’s pricey. But New York has five boroughs, and many of them are much more affordable and well connected.

Good alternatives:

• Brooklyn (Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint): Trendy, full of life, and with easy subway access.

• Queens (Astoria, Long Island City): Cheaper than Manhattan, safe, and only 15–20 minutes from midtown by train.

• Jersey City or Hoboken (New Jersey): Just across the river. You’ll get more space for less money and still be close to Manhattan via PATH train.

2. Budget-Friendly Hotel Chains That Don’t Suck

Not all budget hotels in NYC are sketchy. Some chain hotels and smaller boutique spots are decent if you book early or catch a deal.

• The Pod Hotels (Multiple locations): Tiny rooms, clean spaces, often with shared bathrooms — but done right.

• YOTEL Times Square: Futuristic-style compact rooms. Fun and functional.

• Arlo Hotels: More upscale "micro-hotels" with good design and common areas for working or relaxing.

3. Try Hostels – Yes, Really

I am not really into hostels, but yet, they saved my budget several times and trust me, it was not so bad! New York hostels are better than you might think. Some offer private rooms, and the social atmosphere can be a bonus.

• HI NYC Hostel (Upper West Side): A big, clean, reliable hostel with both dorms and private rooms.

• The Local NYC (Long Island City): Industrial chic style with a rooftop and bar. Good for solo travelers.

• NY Moore Hostel (Brooklyn): Spacious dorms, art-filled, and close to cool neighborhoods.

4. Consider Short-Term Rentals... Yes, but...

Airbnb used to be the go-to for budget stays in NYC, but strict regulations have made things trickier. In Manhattan, many short-term listings aren’t legal unless the host is staying in the unit with you.

If you go the Airbnb route:

• Stick to private rooms, not full apartments.

• Book in Brooklyn or Queens to avoid legal grey areas.

• Double-check public transport options nearby.

Prices in New York fluctuate depending on season and events.

• Cheapest times to visit: January to March (cold but quiet). I lived in New York between March and May and it was, in my opinion, the best time. Still cold to see NYC with snow in March, but warm and colourful starting from mid-april. Or you can go during late summer (August).