To say that New York is an expensive city is a huge understatement. It's definitely among the costliest, not just in the US, but in the entire world too. It's even come to the point that the common rental fees here are infamously high, even more expensive than an actual house and lot in other US states and in different countries. So how does one stay here while on a budget? Not everyone who goes here is rich, even though it'd be better if you are. Fortunately, there's still a way to stay in the 'Big Apple' without having to break the bank. Just follow these useful tips!
Don't Stay in Manhattan
Whether you're visiting as a tourist or you're relocating here, when you travel to New York, the dream destination is, of course, Manhattan. It's the busiest, most bustling, and most popular borough in all of New York City! Why wouldn't you want to stay here? Well, it's expensive here! Unlike in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and more, the sky's the limit in terms of
living costs in Manhattan. At the very least, the other boroughs offer their own
luxury places that you can still call home. But if you want a place that almost has the same quality as that of Manhattan,
Brooklyn is your best bet!
Avoid Taxis When You Can
As far as
public transport in New York is concerned, taking the taxi often will drain your bank account dry before you know it. Although it's the second-easiest way to get around the 'Big Apple,' if you're on a budget, you'd do well in looking for other alternatives. Apart from the most popular option (which will be touched on later on), you can still take the bus or go cycling instead. Both are just as common as hailing a cab! And if you need any help on either, you can always rely on a
transportation app!
Master Navigating The Subway
Speaking of New York public transport, the most affordable way to get around the 'Big Apple' is definitely taking the subway. A single-ride ticket only costs around $2.75 each, and it can already take you to various neighborhoods as well as the different boroughs. However, when navigating the New York subway, a top tip is to purchase an unlimited MetroCard instead. This will help you save time, effort, and even a little bit of cash as you take the train over and over again. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard only costs $33.00 while a 30-day pass costs $127.00.
Go for Cheap Eats
As a 'food capital,' one of the best parts about going to New York is indulging in the finest foods available. And since the 'Big Apple' is home to a lot of international communities, you can actually 'taste the entire world' here in this bustling metropolis. With that said, it goes without saying that some of the
finest foodie hotspots here cost a lot of money. There are even those where a simple three-course meal can already cost more than a month's salary! So what do you do? Go for cheap eats, of course! Think classic
New York snacks from the street, $1 pizza slices, falafel stalls, big sandwiches from convenience stores, and the like!
Focus on The Free
There's so much to do in New York, you probably don't know where to start. However, if your budget dictates what you will do for the day, you ought to know that there are some things you can do here that are free. Going to the famous Central Park is the most famous of them all. If you're lucky, you might even stumble upon a park play or a live concert here. Reading a book at the famous
New York Public Library is also a great option. Just pray that there aren't many tourists around to disrupt your peace and quiet!
New York is famous for being one of the most luxurious and expensive cities in the world. However, that doesn't mean that if you're going here on a strict budget, you won't survive. As long as you follow these top five tips, you'll have no problem at all!
