When you think about New York, cheap is unlikely one of the descriptors that come to mind.
New York City is tied for first place on the most expensive places to live list.
That already makes the state with the same name seem unattainable.
However, 8.5 million people call America’s entryway in the east home.
You can guarantee almost none of those people are billionaires.
So, is it possible to live in New York on a budget?
Of course!
You just have to know where to look.
Come along with us as we explore the cheapest places in the state to settle down.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in New York
1. Syracuse
Just a hop, skip, and jump away from the Canadian border, Syracuse is both affordable and fun.
Within the confines of the city, there are several museums, a popular rose garden, parks, and even Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
In addition, you’re only an hour and a half from another artsy hub in Rochester.
If downtown bike lanes and squares of shops sound up your alley, there are homes available.
The median house price is $160,000, which might be a better deal than rent.
Two-bedroom, two-bathroom homes are $2,000 a month and up.
2. Albany
All the way east on the Hudson River is Albany.
Something many people don’t know about Albany is that it, not New York City, is the capital of the state.
It’s pretty much been the capital since America became an independent nation, thanks to its proximity to the Hudson.
While it may not be overpopulated like NYC, it certainly has some great amenities, like in the bigger city.
For one, all the government buildings and historic sites are here.
There are also museums, shops, and plenty of places to indulge your inner foodie.
The median home price is $265,000 to purchase and $1,700 and up to rent.
3. Rochester
Rochester is all the way north, not just for New York but for America.
The town borders Lake Ontario, which is the body of water where Canada‘s border goes across the middle.
There are museums here, such as the Strong National Museum of Play, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
Another local favorite is the Rochester Public Market.
If that sounds interesting, be prepared to empty your pocketbook.
Median home prices here are nearly half a million dollars.
To get at least a two-bedroom rental, prepare to spend between $1,800 and $2,200 a month.
4. Yonkers
In the southern tip of New York, Yonkers is across the Hudson River from New Jersey.
This city likes to promote the outdoors.
There are several parks, museums, and even a garden conservancy.
The weather isn’t always great, so it’s nice there are places to help celebrate when it is.
At $450,000 to purchase, come prepared to spend a lot of money to be a homeowner in Yonkers.
Expect a two-bedroom to be around $3,000 a month.
5. Utica
Sort of smack dab in the middle of New York is Utica.
This is another place that is blessed to have a body of water.
Having an endless supply of activities is exactly why it’s a great place to move to.
Utica is also a fun place if golf is your thing.
There is not an abundance of housing, but it would be worth the wait thanks to the Mohawk River.
The available rentals start at $2,400 for a two-bedroom.
6. Olean
On the border with Pennsylvania with a river running through it, Olean belongs to the outdoors.
This is worthwhile, not only for the physical adventures but also for the downtown strip.
It’s reminiscent of a Norman Rockwall painting.
It is worth walking along the shops and check out the town.
There are a handful of available rentals, some even below $1,000 a month.
7. Schenectady
On the outskirts of Albany, Schenectady’s rentals start at $1,500 for two bedrooms.
Locals love the city for being on the smaller side, with 67,000 residents.
However, it does lead to many fun ways to entertain the children.
For example, there’s hiking, tennis, pools, and a bustling downtown area.
Something for everyone.
Rent starts at $1,500 and the median house price is $230000.
8. Ogdensburg
New York certainly is a contender for the strangest state shape.
Ogdensburg is a stone’s throw from Canada, only separated by the St. Lawrence River.
You could take a boat out and be in two countries at once.
It’s wild.
Thanks to the long bouts of cold weather, Ogdensburg is a great city to cuddle up with a warm blanket and read a good book.
It was also voted as the best place in New York to retire.
9. Troy
A suburb of the capital, Troy gives you the distance of a local without the hassle.
No traffic in comparison is always a good thing, right?
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy the big city without having to give up a larger home, Troy makes for a perfect compromise.
Rent for a two-bedroom starts at $1,400 a month, but there are a decent number of available properties.
10. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls shares a city with Canada and is the last stop before leaving the US for our northern neighbor.
If you don’t mind the onslaught of tourists, Niagara Falls would be a great place to live.
It would be wise to have an if-you-can’t-beat-them-join-them attitude because of the activities.
There are caves, trolley tours, an aquarium, hiking trails, and a whole ton of shops.
Rent for a two-bedroom can be between $1,300 and $2,000.
New York Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New York Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
How diverse is New York?
New York City alone is one of the most diverse cities in the US.
This is a reflection of the tradition where immigrants from Europe would make their way to America.
The Statue of Liberty has long been the symbol of hope and a new life to those who were arriving via ship to start a new life.
While many used this port as just part of the journey, others turned New York City into their final destination.
Over time, the various types of people grew so much that they had their sections in town.
Nearly 40% of New York City’s population is foreign-born.
So, how does that compare to the rest of the state?
A breakdown looks something like 55% European American,14% African American, 13% other, 9% Asian, and 9% Hispanic.
That’s just a very broad view of the ethnic varieties.
In reality, there are a ton of further specifications when it comes to point of origin.
Families have moved to New York from all over the world.
You could practically find someone from every corner of the globe somewhere in the state if not NYC.
No matter where you live in New York, you’re never far from a cultural celebration.
Are New Yorkers rude and abrasive?
An unexpected perk of living in New York is being neighbors with some of the friendliest people.
Yes, you heard that right.
While many have images of rude New Yorkers in a rush, that might be more of the media perpetuating a stereotype than fact.
Many who live here find people are the opposite.
A recent study named New York City one of the top friendliest cities in the world.
Perhaps having such a wide variety of people makes locals more willing to be patient.
You just never know what kind of barrier you’ll come across.
More importantly, New Yorkers have noticed the benefit of mingling with all kinds of people.
It makes your worldview much wider and more sympathetic.
It’s also an encouraging environment to raise children in.
Being around a friendly, diverse group of people can be a great way to learn how to relate to others.
What are some benefits of living in New York?
Aside from the abundance of diversity, other bonuses make this state so attractive.
One of which is food.
There are so many restaurants in New York that you could eat at a new restaurant every night for 23 years and still have new places to try.
You also don’t have to worry about closing time.
New York City is called the city that never sleeps for a reason.
This 24-hour schedule doesn’t apply to the whole state, but it still means anything is an option within a driveable range.
Public transportation is another great thing that many rely on.
Catching the train or bus is so ingrained because the transportation system is quite reliable.
Naturally, with all that’s going on, the job market is good.
The most important of all, New York is considered safe.
To the surprise of many, that includes New York City.
New York is in the top 10 of all 50 US states for safety.
