Is New York worth it? How to Visit on a Budget

Big 7 Travel Team | 7 months ago

New York United States North America Budget

New York Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

The USA’s largest city, New York City, is a bustling metropolis filled to the brim with fashion, art, landmarks, cultural activities, and a heap of urban charm. With all these things comes a reputation for being expensive, as New York is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities worldwide. However, we’re here to make your life a little easier, with tips and tricks on how to find cheap deals and how to explore NYC on a budget. It can be done, if you know where to look.

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in New York

How Much Do Things Cost in New York

Category	Details	Price Range
Coffee		$3-$4
Coffee
Alcohol	Beer	$5-$8
Alcohol	Wine	$8-$10
Dining Out		$10-$30
Public Transport	Subway	$2.90-$3.00
Public Transport	Bus	$2.50-$2.75
Attractions	Central Park	Free Entry
	Statue of Liberty	$20 (Starting Price)
	Times Square	Free Entry
	Rockefeller Center	$30-$40
Accommodation	Mid Range Hotel	$100
Accommodation	Luxury/Upscale Hotel	$350-$800 p/n

Where to Stay in New York on a Budget

Hotels in NYC are notorious for being expensive, with some of the most pricey options such as Four Seasons Hotel, The Beekman Hotel and Casa Cipriani New York costing over $300 per night. However, New York also hosts many cheap and affordable hotels to accommodate all types of budgets. Let’s break down hotel costs and which ones will enable you to save the most money. There’s usually a knack for finding the best hotels and accommodations, especially if the area is known to be expensive. But like most cities, there are cheaper options out there, you just need to know where to look and which areas to stick to. The cheapest hotel options in New York include:

Budget Hotels: You can find budget hotels across New York’s five boroughs, the cheapest of which is considered to be The Bronx. Budget hotels in New York may compromise on price, but certainly not on quality. You can expect the same high-quality amenities and the same level of comfort and convenience in every hotel across the city. You can expect budget hotels to have prices of under $100 in the cheaper areas of New York. If you’re looking for some highly reviewed and high-quality budget hotels, try the Highbridge Hotel, Cabana Hotel, Holiday Inn Wall Street and Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.

Boutique Hotels: Boutique hotels are generally cheaper than generic hotels as they have a smaller capacity and a more intimate and personal service. Boutique hotels also tend to feature trendy, unique and quirky decor or amenities. Boutique hotels like The One Boutique Hotel, Hotel Boutique and Freehand Hotel are some options of boutique hotels you can stay in across the city.

Airport Hotels: New York’s main airport JFK features numerous airport hotels to accommodate travellers. Airport hotels normally work out cheaper than generic hotels and can be more convenient, especially if you have an early morning or late night flight. Try out the Hotel Liberty Inn & Suites and Hotel Pergola for some cheap airport hotels at JFK.

The Best Options for Finding Affordable Accommodation in New York

Certain areas of New York may be cheaper than others– these can be neighbourhoods or boroughs. Here’s a list of the best places to find cheap deals on accommodation, living costs and rent prices if you plan to stay in New York long term:

The Bronx: Considered by many to be the cheapest and most affordable borough, the Bronx is rife with entertainment, culture and attractions, and is known for its resident baseball team the New York Yankees.

Inwood, Manhattan: This neighbourhood in Manhattan is known for its cheaper-than-average rent prices, making it perfect for first-time renters. You can also find cheap hotels in and around the neighbourhood.

What to Expect from Staying in New York and How to Book a Cheap Room

Booking a hotel in New York can be daunting, given the amount of choice available to you. If you’re looking for cheap hotels, you may be unsure of where to look, what to consider or the best time of year to book. We’re here to help with that. Using our helpful hotel comparison platform, you can find cheap hotels even in places that are considered expensive, like New York. Remember, compromising on price doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Here are our tips and tricks on finding affordable accommodation across New York:

Travel during quieter times of the year: New York tends to be busy around Christmas/New Year’s Eye and summertime, so bear this in mind when planning your trip away. In busier times, hotels tend to be more in demand, which means rooms are likely to sell out quicker or rates will increase. To avoid this, try to book your hotel or accommodation around 90 days in advance to avoid last-minute price increases.
Book in advance: The closer it gets to your trip away, the more likely you’ll have to pay more for your accommodation. Remain organised and up to date, and book months in advance of your planned trip dates to keep costs low.
Consider the location: The location you choose can have a significant impact on the price you pay for your accommodation. Stick to areas that are known to be cheap, such as the Bronx or other suburbs. This can enable you to be close to all the best amenities and attractions, without having to spend a fortune.

How to Get Around New York Cheaply and Easily

New York has extremely efficient transport systems, such as its subway, rail and bus systems. You can also bike, walk or take a cab for a reasonable price across the city. Alternatively, catch the Staten Island ferry to Manhattan for a cheap daily fee. Here are tips and tricks to keep transport costs low in New York:

Take advantage of the subway: London’s tube system and New York’s subway system are some of the most efficient modes of transportation in the world. Costs are also cheap, as they tend to host commuters or students, so costs are generally reasonable.
Take a taxi: Cabs in New York City tend to be reasonably priced depending on where you go, and are useful when heading to areas that aren’t able to be accessed by public transport, such as outer suburbs.
Stick to outer suburbs: Inner city areas, especially Manhattan, tend to be expensive for travel. Although public transport may not cover outer suburbs, the transport you do get may be cheaper as it is less in demand.

Want to explore New York State or the rest of the East Coast? Why not consider hiring a car? New York features many popular car rental spots, such as JFK, downtown Manhattan and LaGuardia Airport.

How to Eat Well in New York Without Spending a Fortune

Street food/food trucks: Food trucks can be a lot cheaper than chain restaurants or bars, and you can find food trucks that serve a variety of cuisines and dishes. While it’s not advisable to eat this way every day, if you’re looking for a cheap pick-me-up meal, food trucks will satisfy your cravings.

Avoid chain restaurants: Big-name chain restaurants and cafes can be expensive, and can sometimes trap unsuspecting tourists who are unaware of how much they should be spending on food. Sticking to local restaurants and independent places can help lower food costs, as they may be less in demand by tourists.

Stick to cheap grocery stores: Aldi and Trader Joe's, among others, can be found across New York, and are known to be some of the cheapest grocery stores in the country. If you are staying in a rental apartment, you’ll likely have access to a kitchen and will need to buy food for yourself. This is where shopping at budget grocery stores comes in handy.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities in New York

Central Park: One of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, the general park is free for public use. However, some of the park’s attractions like Central Park Zoo may charge an entry fee, but you can expect this to be cheap.

American Museum of Natural History: While admission to this museum is free, it’s suggested that you make a donation upon entry. This can be of an amount of your choice, however, a donation of around $15-$20 is suggested.

The Best Places to Find Live Music, Events and Shows in New York

Madison Square Garden: One of the most iconic concert and event venues in the USA, this grand venue hosts sporting events, live shows and gigs, among other big-name events.

Arena NYC: Another popular event and show venue, you can even hire this place out if you need to put on a large-scale event. This place is also popular among many notable bands and artists.