Apartments Under $2,500 in NYC
648 quality-rated buildings • Updated 2025
Rent Statistics for Under $2,500
Finding Rent Under $2,500 in New York City (2025)
Looking for apartments under $2,500 per month in NYC? You're in the right place. We've analyzed 648 buildings across all five boroughs to help you findmid-range housing that matches your budget. At this price point, expect to find studios, 1-bedrooms, 2-bedrooms with roommates – perfect for young professionals, couples, 2-3 roommates splitting rent. The average quality score for buildings in this range is 66/100, and many buildings score above 70, indicating good quality.
Best Buildings Under $2,500 by Borough
Apartments Under $2,500 in Brooklyn
160 buildings • Avg rent $1,575/mo • Avg score 64/100 • ~10% cheaper than Manhattan
Apartments Under $2,500 in Queens
150 buildings • Avg rent $1,612/mo • Avg score 78/100 • ~20% cheaper than Manhattan
Apartments Under $2,500 in Manhattan
97 buildings • Avg rent $1,562/mo • Avg score 62/100
Apartments Under $2,500 in The Bronx
83 buildings • Avg rent $1,482/mo • Avg score 54/100 • ~30% cheaper than Manhattan
Apartments Under $2,500 in Staten Island
10 buildings • Avg rent $1,333/mo • Avg score 74/100 • ~35% cheaper than Manhattan
Explore Other Price Ranges
What Type of Apartment Can You Get for Under $2,500?
🏠 Studios
Studios in this range are available across most of Brooklyn and Queens, and some Manhattan neighborhoods. Typical size: 350-500 sq ft.
🛏️ 1-Bedrooms
1-bedrooms become more accessible at this price. Look in Astoria, Sunnyside, Crown Heights, or Bed-Stuy for 500-700 sq ft units.
🛋️ 2-Bedrooms (Sharing)
2-bedrooms in this range exist in outer Brooklyn/Queens and the Bronx. Each person pays ~$1,250 when split. Great for couples or friends.
Best Neighborhoods for Rent Under $2,500
💎 Best Value (More Space, Lower Cost)
- • South Bronx - Best bang for buck, improving rapidly
- • East New York, Brooklyn - Large units, A/C train access
- • Jamaica, Queens - Hub for LIRR and subway
- • Canarsie, Brooklyn - Quiet, residential feel
⭐ Best Quality (Higher Scores)
- • Riverdale, Bronx - Suburban feel, well-maintained
- • Bay Ridge, Brooklyn - Family-friendly, R train
- • Forest Hills, Queens - Tree-lined, E/F/M/R trains
- • Inwood, Manhattan - Parks, A train to Midtown
Tips for Finding Apartments Under $2,500 in NYC
Finding an apartment under $2,500 in NYC is challenging but achievable with the right strategy. Our data shows 648 buildings in this price range with an average quality score of 66/100. Here's how to maximize your search:
1. Expand Your Borough Search
At under $2,500, you'll find the most options in the Bronx (83 buildings), Queens (150 buildings), and outer Brooklyn (160 buildings). Manhattan options exist but are typically rent-stabilized units or rooms in shared apartments.
2. Check Building Quality Scores
Lower rent doesn't always mean lower quality. Many well-maintained buildings have affordable rents due to rent stabilization or location. Focus on buildings with scores above 70 – they typically have fewer violations, responsive management, and better living conditions. Our top-rated building in this price range scores 95.9.
3. Look for Rent-Stabilized Units
Rent-stabilized apartments offer long-term value with capped annual increases (typically 2-4%). These units are common in buildings built before 1974 with 6+ units. While initial rents may be slightly higher, the protection from market-rate increases provides significant savings over time.Learn more about rent stabilization →
4. Check Violation History
Before signing a lease, review the building's violation history. Buildings with many open violations may have heat/hot water issues, pest problems, or structural concerns that affect your quality of life. Our building pages show complete violation histories and highlight recurring issues.
5. Consider Roommate Situations
Splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate can significantly improve your options. A $5,000 budget split two ways opens up better neighborhoods and larger units.
6. Time Your Search
NYC rent prices fluctuate seasonally. Winter months (December-February) typically see 5-10% lower rents and more negotiating power. Summer (May-August) is peak season with higher prices and more competition.See our rent calendar tool →
Frequently Asked Questions: Apartments Under $2,500
Can I find a 1-bedroom apartment under $2,500 in Manhattan?
Yes, but options are limited to neighborhoods like East Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, and some Financial District buildings. You'll have more choices for studios at this price point.
Is $2,500 enough rent for 2 people in Brooklyn?
Two people can share a under $2,500 apartment in Brooklyn, though options are mostly in outer neighborhoods like East New York, Brownsville, or Canarsie. Each person would pay around $1,250. Consider looking at 2-bedrooms in the $3,750-$5,000 range to split.
What's the catch with cheap apartments in NYC?
Not all affordable apartments have catches, but common issues to watch for include: older buildings with deferred maintenance, longer commutes to Manhattan, smaller unit sizes, walk-up buildings (no elevator), and limited amenities. That's why we provide quality scores – buildings scoring 70+ typically have fewer issues regardless of price. Always check violation history and visit in person before signing.
Are these rent prices accurate for 2025?
Our rent data is crowdsourced from user submissions and updated regularly. Prices shown are median rents based on reported data and may not reflect current listing prices. NYC rent changes frequently – use these as estimates and verify current pricing directly with landlords. The average rent in this category is $1,563/month based on 648 buildings.
Best Budget Neighborhoods
Our guide to the most affordable areas in NYC with good quality of life.
Rent Stabilization Guide
How to find and identify rent-stabilized apartments in NYC.
First-Time Renter Guide
Everything you need to know about renting your first NYC apartment.