People move to New York City for opportunity. For the feeling that anything could happen if they’re in the right place at the right time. Artists, bankers, bartenders, engineers — they arrive from all over the world. Some stay forever while some stay for a season. Everyone leaves a mark, whether they mean to or not.
Moving to NYC means stepping into a powerful current. The cost of living in NYC is high. The pace is relentless. But the payoff — community, culture, and proximity to possibility — is what keeps the city magnetic. Whether you’re planning for a long-distance move or a jump across the river, this is what you need to know about heading to the Big Apple.
9 Things To Know About Living in NYC (Before Moving to NYC)
Visiting New York can be overwhelming, but living here is categorically different. You get used to the noise. The crowds start to feel more manageable. The rent … well, the rent is always high. Regardless, there’s plenty of opportunity to grow, change, and challenge yourself with the energy the city offers.
This list covers the realities of living in NYC — the costs, the neighborhoods, the weather, and everything in between. Some of it’s intense. A lot of it is expensive. But, similar to estimating the cost of your move, all of it is useful if you want to land with your eyes open.
1. The cost of living in NYC is high — and always rising
What salary do you need to live comfortably in NYC? According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult with no children would need to earn at least $60,000 per year to cover basic expenses like housing, food, healthcare, and transportation in New York City.
But that only covers the essentials. To live comfortably, meaning to save, invest, or spend on non-essentials, you should aim for at least $85,000 to $100,000 per year. And that number climbs quickly if you have kids, debt, or other financial goals.
Still, many people find a way to make it work — by living with roommates, taking on side gigs, or simply living smaller. If you’re moving to NYC, expect to adjust your spending habits. But also expect to gain access to a city full of opportunities that justify the higher price tag.
2. The NYC rental market is extremely competitive and moves extremely fast
The NYC rental market is fast-moving and very, very expensive. As of early 2025, the average rent in New York City is around $2,807. But that number doesn’t tell the full story. In Manhattan, a spot in Tribeca can run over $8,000, while Battery Park City averages over $6,000. Meanwhile, neighborhoods like Flatbush in Brooklyn offer apartments around $2,000. That’s a wide gap — and it reflects how much location impacts the cost of living in NYC.
If you’re moving to NYC, expect to move fast. Listings disappear quickly, landlords often require detailed financial documentation, and some buildings come with income requirements or broker fees. Know your budget, be prepared to be flexible, and Show up ready to pay a deposit if you like the spot.
The NYC job market is vast and varied, but it's also intensely competitive. As of March 2025, the city's unemployment rate stands at 5.1%, slightly above the national average of 4.2%.
Industries such as health care, professional services, finance, and information technology are experiencing growth, with health care alone adding over 87,000 jobs in the past year. However, sectors like manufacturing and construction have been seeing declines, highlighting the importance of industry choice and timing when seeking employment in NYC.
3. The best places to live in NYC depend on your priorities
In New York City, you really can find whatever life you want. That’s one of the most beautiful things about the Big Apple. Yeah, you’re packed in like sardines, but that means each diverse neighborhood offers its own exciting and vibrant lifestyle within a few dozen blocks.
Best for young professionals: Bushwick, Brooklyn
Bushwick, one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn, is a creative hub with a gritty edge — and that’s exactly why young professionals love it. Rents are still more affordable than in nearby Williamsburg (which was once similarly hip and affordable, before luxury retail took over and rent became the highest in the city).
The neighborhood is packed with hot new restaurants, street art, galleries, music venues, and warehouse spaces turned into apartments. It’s a launchpad for artists, freelancers, and early-career tech and media workers looking for energy, not polish.
Best for families: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Park Slope remains a go-to for families who want tree-lined streets, excellent public schools, and access to Prospect Park. It’s one of the few places in the city that feels like a small town within a big one.
There are playgrounds, farmers markets, and enough space to actually push a stroller without dodging crowds. Plus, the Barclays Center is still close by, so you can catch music, sports, and whatever else comes through town.
Most affordable: Inwood, Manhattan
Tucked into the northern tip of Manhattan, Inwood offers more space for less rent. It’s not as flashy as downtown neighborhoods, but it’s quiet, community-focused, and surrounded by greenery — including Inwood Hill Park and Fort Tryon.
It’s a solid option for renters who want to stay in Manhattan without paying downtown prices. To head downtown, simply hop on the subway — New Yorkers just call it the train — and head south!
Safest: Battery Park City, Manhattan
Battery Park City tops the list for safety. It’s clean, quiet, and full of families and professionals who value calm over chaos. Located along the Hudson with plenty of parks and waterfront paths, it feels almost suburban — and it’s still just steps from the Financial District.
Plus? You can lean out your window and maybe catch a view of the Statue of Liberty.
4. The weather in NYC swings from sweltering to frigid
New York City has four full seasons, and you’ll feel all of them. Summers are hot and sticky, with temperatures often climbing above 90°F and humidity making it feel even hotter. Winters hit hard with icy winds, especially in January when lows dip into the 20s. Snowstorms aren’t uncommon, and powerful nor’easters can shut things down for a day or two.
Spring and fall are the city’s sweet spots, with mild temperatures, cherry blossoms, and crisp leaves in the park. (It’s just as picturesque as you’d imagine.)
5. Public transit is reliable and absolutely necessary
If you're moving to NYC, you won’t need a car — and honestly, you probably shouldn’t bring one. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) runs the subway and bus systems, which serve all five boroughs and operate 24/7. Despite occasional delays and maintenance issues, public transit remains the fastest, most reliable, and most affordable way to get around.
A monthly unlimited MetroCard costs $132, and it gets you access to subways and local buses. Most commuters rely on it daily. Trains are frequent during peak hours, and even late at night, you can usually get where you need to go, though you may wait longer at night. Ride-shares and bike rentals like Citi Bike fill the gaps, but the subway is the backbone.
6. NYC culture means food, art, music, and literally everything you can imagine
Living in NYC means never running out of things to do — and never fully catching up. The city is a global capital for food, music, art, fashion, theater, film, and about a thousand subcultures in between. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and $2 dumpling shops on the same block. You can catch some live jazz in Harlem, a drag show in Bushwick, and some experimental theater in the East Village in the same night if you're up for it.
Museums like The Met and MoMA are iconic, but so are the underground galleries and pop-up exhibitions in converted warehouses. From Shakespeare in the Park to block parties in Queens, there’s always something happening, and usually, it’s something you didn’t expect.
7. Parks and public space are extremely valuable
New York is crowded, but it still makes room to breathe. The city has more than 1,700 parks spread across the five boroughs. Central Park gets the spotlight, but Prospect Park, Riverside Park, and Flushing Meadows all play a major role in everyday life.
These green spaces are where people go to stretch their legs, run, read, play basketball, walk their dogs, and meet up with friends. Some host concerts or movie nights. Others stay quiet on purpose. That little stretch of open space will matter more than you expect.
8. Proximity to the northeast corridor makes travel easy
Living in NYC puts you close to some of the most important cities on the East Coast. Amtrak, New Jersey Transit, and regional buses run daily routes to places like Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C. You can take a train to Philly in about two hours or catch a cheap bus to Boston for a weekend getaway. The city also gives you access to three major airports — John F. Kennedy International, LaGuardia, and Newark International — with flights to virtually anywhere on the planet. (Newark is across the river in New Jersey, but it’s a quick drive or train ride away.)
Tips for Moving to NYC
There’s no shortage of tips and tricks for moving to NYC, but only a few really matter when you’re in the thick of it: Renting, timing, and budgeting are the factors that will make or break your move. The NYC rental market moves fast. If you're not prepared, you’ll miss out.
Here are some of the most useful things to know before you move to New York City:
Start looking for an apartment early but know the market moves fast
Listings can go live one day and be gone the next. In NYC, it’s not uncommon to sign a lease on the 15th for an apartment available the 1st of the following month. You don’t need to start your search months in advance, but you do need to be ready, and getting to know the market will help you take action when it’s time.
That means knowing your budget, having cash in the bank, and being prepared to move quickly once you find something you like. Most landlords require first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit — usually all upfront. And that’s before the broker’s fee (more on that below.)
Decide whether you need a roommate
Solo living in NYC is expensive. Sharing a place is usually the more affordable route. Doing so will also give you access to better neighborhoods and more space. Just make sure expectations are clear before you sign anything together.
Winter is usually the cheapest time to rent
The NYC rental market slows down in the colder months. Fewer people want to move in the snow, so landlords are more willing to negotiate. If saving money is a priority, this might be the best time to move to NYC.
Declutter before your move
New York apartments are small. Really small. The more stuff you bring, the more you’ll have to cram into tight quarters. Downsizing your belongings not only saves you space but also cuts down on moving costs — especially if you’re paying by weight or volume. (And make your life easier with a moving checklist!)
Watch out for shady brokers, but don’t rule them out
In New York, brokers aren’t just for home sales. Brokers are commonly part of the rental process too, and many landlords will only rent through a broker, whether you want to use one or not. The broker’s fee generally shouldn’t exceed one month’s rent, but some shady brokers will try to overcharge you, especially if you’re new to the city. Still, a good broker can streamline the process and get you access to listings you wouldn’t find on your own.
Hire movers who know the city
Moving to New York City is not like moving to a suburb. Tight streets, walk-up buildings, and strict move-in times make it more complicated. Choose movers with real NYC experience. They’ll know how to handle parking, permits, and the rest of the chaos.
Get Help Moving to NYC
New York City isn’t for everyone — but for the right person, it’s everything. The energy, the neighborhoods, the career possibilities, and the culture all come with a price — but if you're ready for the tradeoffs, it can be one of the most rewarding places to live.
When you’re ready to make the move, let Colonial Van Lines help you get there. We’ve handled long-distance moves for over 50 years, and we know exactly how to navigate the unique challenges of relocating to New York. From careful packing to hauling your stuff up narrow stairwells, our team takes the most challenging parts of moving off your plate. Get started with a free quote today and focus on settling into the city — not sweating the logistics.