Cheapest Places to Live Near NYC

By PropertyClub Team
Jan 6th 2024
In the pulsating heart of the East Coast, New York City stands as a beacon of opportunity and excitement, drawing people from all walks of life. However, the soaring cost of living within the city limits can be daunting for many. If you're looking to experience the vibrant energy of the Big Apple without draining your bank account, consider the surrounding areas that offer a more affordable lifestyle. Read on to explore the cheapest places to live near NYC, where you can still savor the proximity to the city while enjoying a more budget-friendly existence.

hash-markCheapest Places to Live Near NYC

  1. Newark
  2. Paterson
  3. Elizabeth
  4. Peekskill
  5. Hackensack
  6. Bayonne 
  7. Yonkers
  8. Clifton
  9. North Bergen
  10. West New York

hash-markNewark

Newark, located in New Jersey, is recognized as one of the cheapest places to live near NYC, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without compromising proximity to the city. With an average rent of $1,507 and a median home price of $429,995, Newark offers budget-friendly living arrangements. 

The city is not just about savings; it's also a hub for employment, as several companies maintain their headquarters in the area. Additionally, Newark is home to the Newark campus of Rutgers University, providing educational opportunities for residents. 

hash-markPaterson

Paterson, another affordable spot close to NYC, sits just over a dozen miles from the bustling streets of New York City. With an average rent of $1,585, it offers a budget-friendly living option for those wanting proximity to the Big Apple. 

Known as the Silk City, Paterson played a significant role in silk production in the past. The average home price in this area is approximately $437,255, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability within reach of the city's vibrant energy.

hash-markElizabeth

Elizabeth, a remarkably affordable place to live near NYC, boasts a population of over 140,000. This city is home to the renowned Jersey Gardens Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast, offering a plethora of shopping and entertainment options. 

Its strategic location provides close proximity to Manhattan and easy access to the New Jersey Turnpike, facilitating convenient commuting. 

With an average rent of $1,772, Elizabeth provides a cost-effective living option for those wanting to stay near the vibrant energy of New York City. The median home price in Elizabeth is around $485,392, making it an attractive choice for those seeking both affordability and accessibility.

hash-markPeekskill

Located along the Hudson River, Peekskill shines as the second cheapest place to live near NYC. It transformed from a village in 1816 to a city in 1940, blending history with affordability. With an average rent of $2,025 and a median home price of $436,628, it offers a budget-friendly escape. 

The city boasts several parks and recreation areas, including Charles Point and Depew Park, providing residents with scenic spots to unwind and enjoy outdoor activities.

hash-markHackensack

Hackensack, nestled along the Hackensack River in New Jersey, wraps up our list of the cheapest places to live near NYC. This city offers an affordable living option with a median rent of $2,232 and a median home price of $398,639. 

Notably, from Prospect Avenue, residents can enjoy glimpses of the iconic New York City skyline. Hackensack boasts points of interest like The New Jersey Naval Museum and The Hackensack Cultural Arts Center, adding cultural and historical charm to this budget-friendly locale.

hash-markBayonne 

Nestled as the cheapest place to live near NYC, Bayonne is a city with a name that tells its story. Situated on the shores of two bays, Newark and New York, Bayonne offers a budget-friendly haven while still being close to the Big Apple. With a population of 67,939, this community provides a welcoming environment. 

For those looking to rent, the average rent stands at $2,150, making it an affordable choice. If homeownership is on your radar, the median home price in Bayonne is around $513,403, offering a range of options for those seeking an economical yet convenient living experience.

hash-markYonkers

Yonkers, the 5th cheapest place to live near NYC, is a suburb that acts as a gateway between New York City and the Hudson Valley. With a median rent of $2,400 and an average home price of $449,319, Yonkers offers affordability along with proximity to the bustling city. 

The city boasts attractions like Tibbetts Brook Park, the Saw Mill River, and Untermyer Park, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a balance between urban convenience and natural beauty.

hash-markClifton

Clifton, located in New Jersey, is another affordable place to live near NYC. Clifton has a population of 89,367 and has earned recognition as one of the best places to live in the state in numerous media reports. The median home price in Clifton is $515,705, providing housing options that are more budget-friendly compared to some neighboring areas. 

If renting is more your style, the average rent in Clifton is around $2,050, making it a viable choice for those looking for cost-effective living near the bustling metropolis of New York City.

hash-markNorth Bergen

Nestled near the bustling heart of New York City, North Bergen stands out as the 8th cheapest place to live in proximity to the Big Apple. Notably, it ranks among the hilliest municipalities in the United States, offering picturesque landscapes to its residents. 

With a median household income of $69,962, North Bergen provides an affordable haven for those seeking proximity to the city. The median rent is around $2,271, while the median home price hovers around $535,206, making it an attractive option for individuals and families looking to balance affordability and accessibility.

hash-markWest New York

West New York, the next stop on our list of affordable places near NYC, is a town with a population of 52,912. Nestled just 4 miles west of the Big Apple, it provides a convenient proximity for those seeking affordable living options close to the city. 

The median home price in West New York is $425,395, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious residents. 

If you're considering renting, the average rent hovers around $2,528, offering an economical alternative to the bustling city life while keeping you within arm's reach of the vibrant energy of New York City.