Start spreading the news! Hundreds of rentals await in Manhattan, and now is the time to find your home in the city that never sleeps.
Whether you’re drawn to Manhattan for its walkability, job opportunities, or unmatched energy, this iconic New York borough offers a renting experience like no other. However, where you choose to live in Manhattan can largely impact your time in the city. So, before signing a lease and packing your bags, take a look at some of the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for renters:
The five best neighborhoods in Manhattan for renters are:
Best for Nightlife: East Village
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Manhattan: $4,020/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in East Village: $4,032/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in East Village: 664 square feet
Why the East Village is good for renters
The East Village pulses with nightlife—bars, music venues, late-night eats and a dense, walkable grid make it ideal for someone who wants to be in the thick of the city’s energy. While rich with modern and trendy bars, eateries, and other conveniences, the neighborhood’s historic, slightly gritty charm lives on through its residences (prewar walkups and narrow buildings). And because it sits in Lower Manhattan, transit and dining are topnotch.
Keep in mind
The active nightlife and dense environment mean it can be loud and bustling late into the night. If you prefer calm evenings or quieter spaces, this might be a trade‑off.
Best for Park/Nature Access: Upper West Side
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Manhattan: $4,020/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in the Upper West Side: $4,220/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in the Upper West Side: 622 square feet
Why the Upper West Side is good for renters
The Upper West Side offers a front row seat to some of the city’s best green spaces: Central Park and Riverside Park. It features a mix of historic brownstones and high-rise apartments, excellent transit links, and a more relaxed, residential feel compared to downtown’s bustle. For renters who want city life but also some breathing room, the Upper West Side hits a nice balance.
Keep in mind
Because it’s a desirable area with park access and strong transit, rents can skew higher, and availability may be tighter for more affordable units.
Best for Affordability: Washington Heights
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Manhattan: $4,020/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Washington Heights: $1,953/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Washington Heights: 567 square feet
Why Washington Heights is good for renters
Washington Heights offers comparatively more affordable rent than many Manhattan submarkets, making it a smart pick for renters seeking a Manhattan location with more budget-friendly options. It also has a strong sense of community, some green spaces, and views of the Hudson and the George Washington Bridge.
Keep in mind
Transit times to downtown and some hotspots will likely be longer, and the local amenities may differ from those in midtown or downtown neighborhoods. It may feel more removed from the central “buzz” of city life.
Best for Transportation: Midtown
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Manhattan: $4,020/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Midtown: $4,330/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in Midtown: 629 square feet
Why Midtown is good for renters
Midtown Manhattan offers arguably the best transportation access in the city: multiple subway lines, buses, major hubs like Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, and often walkable proximity to workplaces, theatres, and hotels. If you want a minimal commute and top access, this is a strong contender.
Keep in mind
The convenience carries a premium—in rent and in trade-offs. Midtown can be busy, commercial during weekdays, and less residential in feel than other neighborhoods. Prices reflect that.
Best for Culture and Arts: SoHo
- Average 1-bedroom rent in Manhattan: $4,020/month
- Average 1-bedroom rent in SoHo: $3,384/month
- Average 1-bedroom size in SoHo: 519 square feet
Why SoHo is good for renters
SoHo is rich in cultural cachet: art galleries, cast-iron architecture, cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and a creative energy. If you care about being immersed in design, arts, and a trendsetting atmosphere, SoHo stands out. It also delivers pedestrian-friendly streets and a highly walkable living experience.
Keep in mind
All that culture and style come with a cost. Rents in this area trend high, so your budget may need to stretch more. Some residential streets may also have significant tourist traffic and retail bustle, which may affect quietness.
Explore Apartments for Rent in Manhattan on Apartments.com
Ready to make your move to the Big Apple? Find the perfect apartment in Manhattan on Apartments.com! Whether you’re dropping in for a season or planting your roots, we have the tools to help you find your dream rental in the city that never sleeps.
Use our advanced search platform to filter your options by neighborhood, property type, price, and more! Whether you’re searching for a trendy studio in SoHo or a park-front property in the Upper West Side, you’ll find what you’re looking for on Apartments.com.
This guide to the best neighborhoods in Manhattan for renters is based on data and insights from CoStar Group, including rental availability, average one-bedroom rent prices relative to the citywide average, and average unit sizes as of November 2025. Neighborhoods were selected by evaluating key lifestyle factors such as walkability, access to public transportation, proximity to parks and cultural destinations, and overall renter appeal. Each pick offers unique strengths, making it easier for renters to find the right fit based on their individual preferences and priorities.
FAQs
Is Manhattan a good place to live?
Yes — Manhattan is a good choice for renters who want the full urban experience: iconic cityscapes, high-end culture, unmatched transit access, and a lively lifestyle.
Is Manhattan an expensive place to live?
Yes — Manhattan is significantly above the national average in rent and cost of living. The average one-bedroom rent of $4,020/month is 146% higher than the U.S. average of $1,631/month.
What is the average rent in Manhattan?
The average rent in Manhattan is $4,020/month as of November 2025. This is 146% higher than the national average of $1,631/month.
What salary do you need to live in Manhattan?
To live comfortably in Manhattan, you’ll want to make about $13,400 per month or $160,800 per year. This ensures you don’t spend more than 30% of your monthly income on rent.
