4 Affordable Places To Live in New York With Easy Access to Manhattan

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In January 2025, the median rent for a Manhattan apartment was $4,530 per month, according to a rental market report by The Corcoran Group. The report also noted that the average rent for a two-bedroom soared to $7,041, driven by rising prices in luxury downtown buildings.
If you’re looking to escape New York City’s astronomical rental costs — and the nonstop hustle and bustle — consider these affordable communities in New York state with convenient access to Manhattan by train or bus.
Also see the 10 best cities to live in New York this year and whether they’re affordable.
Yonkers, New York
Nestled alongside the Hudson River in Westchester County, Yonkers offers a more affordable cost-of-living alternative to Manhattan. The average price for an apartment is $2,145 per month. That’s about 50% less than Manhattan, though still above the national average.
In Yonkers, you’ll find many riverfront shops and restaurants in the downtown area, while the eastern part of Yonkers offers a quieter, more suburban setting. Located less than 15 miles from Manhattan, this diverse city provides many public transportation options, making it an excellent choice for commuters.
Port Washington, New York
Situated on Long Island’s North Shore, Port Washington is located less than 30 miles away from Manhattan. Rental prices in the “Port” reflect its coveted location but are more affordable than in Manhattan, averaging $2,680 per month.
Residents and visitors can enjoy Main Street’s waterfront eateries, quaint shops and entertainment. This coastal community, with easy access to Manhattan by car, bus or train, has plenty to offer.
New Paltz, New York
Tucked into the Shawangunk Mountains, New Paltz is a quaint college town in Ulster County. It has farm-to-table eateries, eclectic shops and a lively music scene. The average rent costs $1,780 per month.
New Paltz is about 80 miles from Manhattan, and you can get there by bus or take the Amtrak Train to New York Penn Station.
Beacon, New York
Situated on the east bank of the Hudson River, Beacon is a charming suburban community about 60 miles north of Manhattan. It boasts historical landmarks, art galleries, eateries and specialty shops. A favorite local spot is the Hudson Valley Brewery. The average apartment rental price in Beacon is $2,334.
You can reach Manhattan in a bit less than and hour and a half by car or use public transportation.
Editor’s note: All average rental prices were sourced from Apartments.com unless otherwise noted.