How to Stay on Budget in NYC

It's no secret that New York City is one of the most expensive places you can live—it ranks as number one among U.S. cities year after year, and is consistently within the top 10 most expensive places to live worldwide. And while that might deter some eager wanderers from making the Big Apple home, there are plenty of ways you can save money and still experience all New York has to offer. 

Transportation

We're not above a super-late night Uber ride, but let's be real, taxis and shared ride services add up—and quick. Getting aquainted with the MTA systems is one of the best ways you can save your hard-earned money in the city, as you can get virtually anywhere for the cost of 2.75. We recommend tallying up your monthly MTA charges before deciding if the month pass is worth the cost—it'll be $127 for a month of unlimited swipes or $33 for a week. If you're working from home or only taking the train on the weekends you can probably save your coins and purchase individual tickets. 

And in warmer months, biking is another affordable alternative so you can skip the wait times or crowded L train. Buying a bike of your own will be more of a long-term investment, or you can opt for a membership with Citi Bike, which are stationed all over the five boroughs. A one-month membership is $15, or you can get set-up for a full year for just $179. 

Housing

You'll likely end up spending the largest amount on money on housing, as New York is also designated as the most expensive place to rent in the U.S. Don't let that discourage you—because there are more affordable options out there. The most essential tip is to plan on having roommates, as you'll split the apartment cost into a fraction of its original price. We also recommend looking outside of Manhattan for your next home, as it is the most expensive borough for both renting and day-to-day costs. And if you want to save money without skipping out on amenities like furnished apartments, laundry or even in-building fitness studios, co-living spaces are a no-stress way to get settled in the city on a budget. 

Food 

You won't want to miss out on the global cuisine NYC has to offer, with everything from vegan Ethiopian eats to flavorful hot pot to try. For meals out on a budget, scour your local listings for happy hours, bottomless brunch or other deals so you can save while still enjoying the city's foodie scene. We also recommend straying from the crowds and Insta-famous restaurants if you're serious about saving money—there are plenty of authentic restaurants that won't cost an arm and a leg for an appetizer. 

And when it comes time to grocery shop, compare prices from your nearest stores to find the cheapest option. If the nearest stores are all priced at a similar level (and a bit out-of-budget), you may want to trek to the nearest Trader Joe's. While not as convenient as walking down the block, you can usually save a significant amount of money on your weekly haul. For produce, always consult your local bodega to get unreal deals on fruits and vegetables. A grocery store might charge you as much as $5 for a container of blackberries, which you can get for around $1 at your nearest market. 

Entertainment 

One of the greatest parts of NYC is the never-ending myriad of places to see—from namesake museums to the next show on Broadway. You can still experience all the city has to offer without disrupting your budget with a bit of prior planning. Almost every museum in the city offers a free or pay-what-you-can day, so you can get access to places like the MoMa or Guggenheim Museum without dropping a dime. 

You can also get your very own NYC ID, which unlocks deals, discounts and free tickets to a plethora of events, shows and entertainment throughout the city. It's free, and all you'll need to qualify is a proof of residence. Browse sites live Eventbrite or the New York Public Library page to find free things to do any night of the week, whether you're in a mood for a comedy show or dance party. 

Photo by Mathilde Paret on Unsplash