Top 8 Affordable Places to Live Near NYC

Short overview: Eight of the most affordable places to live near NYC are Milford (CT), Darien (CT), Yonkers (NY), Stamford (CT), Bayonne (NJ), Newark (NJ), Hackensack (NJ), and Hoboken (NJ). These areas offer lower rent, short commutes to Manhattan, and access to urban amenities without NYC prices.

Introduction

Living in NYC can be tough because of how expensive everything is. Rents are expensive, transportation is expensive, food is expensive, etc. The list goes on.

If you’re thinking of moving someplace nearby, where you can still come to NYC for work and to visit friends and family, we’re going to help you out. We’ll list some of the affordable places that you can live near NYC.

The list will cover areas that are quite close and some that are somewhat far. In case you’re wondering about the most affordable places to live within 2 hours of New York, you’ll find your answer here.

Overview of the Most Affordable Places to Live Near NYC

Before we delve into the details and list all the places one by one, we’re going to create a table. This table will contain the general information about each place that you can take in at a glance. (We understand that some of our readers may be in a rush and may not want to read through all the text. This table serves to provide them with the necessary information quickly.)

Moving on, we’ll look at each city/town in more detail and expand on the details that have been mentioned above.

1. Milford, CT

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How far is Milford, CT, from NYC?

The distance between Milford, CT, to NYC is about 69 miles or 111 KM, according to Google Maps. The time taken to travel between Milford and NYC is around 1 hour and 5 minutes by train and 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus.

What is it Like to Live in Milford, CT?

Living in Milford, Connecticut, offers a coastal lifestyle with small-town charm and convenient access to New York City. Residents enjoy beaches, parks, and a walkable downtown with restaurants and shops. The city has good schools, low crime rates, and a balance of suburban comfort and seaside recreation.

What Are the Ideal Transportation Options from Milford, CT, to NYC?

The ideal transportation option to go from Milford, CT, to NYC is to take the Metro-North train. You can take the train from Milford Station and get off at Grand Central Station.

After Living in NYC, What Challenges Can I Expect in Milford, CT?

After living in NYC, you might find the weather in Milford, CT, to be colder and the transit options to be fewer. The pace of life is slower in Milford, and the constant availability of services known to NYC is not always there.

2. Darien, CT

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How far is Darien, CT, from NYC?

The distance between Darien, CT, and NYC is around 44.4 miles or around 71 KM, according to Google Maps. The time taken to travel between Darien and NYC is around 1 hour by car, 40 minutes by train, and 1.5 hours by bus.

What is it like to live in Darien, CT?

Living in Darien, Connecticut, offers a suburban lifestyle with coastal charm and proximity to New York City. The town features scenic waterfronts, upscale neighborhoods, and a tight-knit community. Residents enjoy beaches, parks, and local shops while benefiting from low crime and excellent public services.

What are the ideal transportation options from Darien, CT, to NYC?

Taking the train is an ideal way to get to NYC from Darien, CT. However, due to the closer proximity, a car ride is also not a bad idea.

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Darien, CT?

For the most part, the same drawbacks that you’ll find in Milford are the ones you’ll find in Darien. The place is quieter and things aren’t available round the clock as they are in New York.

Another thing to remember about Darien is that the house prices, while cheaper than NYC, are still quite expensive when compared to other states and cities.

3. Stamford, CT

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How far is Stamford, CT, from NYC?

Stamford is at a distance of 40.5 miles from NYC, according to Google Maps. It takes 1 hour and 11 minutes to reach there by car, 41 minutes by train, and 1 hour and 35 minutes via bus.

What is it like to live in Stamford, CT?

Living in Stamford, CT, offers a blend of urban convenience and coastal beauty. The city features a vibrant downtown, a growing job market, and access to beaches and parks, making Stamford ideal for professionals and families. Residents enjoy proximity to New York City, and the commute isn’t as much of a hassle.

What are the ideal transportation options from Stamford, CT, to NYC?

Taking a train is the ideal way to travel between these two places. It is a quicker method than the others, and is also quite affordable.

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Stamford, CT?

The weather can be colder in Stamford for someone moving in from NYC. Stamford is a lot like Darien in many aspects. You’ll have to adjust to a quieter pace of life, something that most people readily appreciate.

4. Bayonne, NJ

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How far is Bayonne, NJ, from NYC?

Bayonne, NJ, is located at a distance of around 10.2 miles from NYC. It is closer to the latter when compared to cities in Connecticut. It takes around half an hour to go to Bayonne from NYC via car, and about 1.5 hours on average if you take public transport.

What is it like to live in Bayonne, NJ?

Living in Bayonne, NJ, offers urban convenience with a small-town feel. The city provides easy access to New York City through the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and Bayonne Bridge. Residents enjoy waterfront parks, diverse restaurants, and family-friendly neighborhoods, though housing costs are higher than in nearby suburbs.

What are the ideal transportation options from Bayonne, NJ, to NYC?

Driving a car or taking the train are both practical transportation options that you can use to get from Bayonne to NYC.

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Bayonne, NJ?

Bayonne, NJ, is significantly quieter than NYC. You’ll find the streets and roads to be calm and devoid of the constant rush that you find in places like Manhattan. Bayonne is also less walkable, and you’ll find yourself needing a car for daily commutes and chores.

5. Newark, NJ

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How far is Newark, NJ, from NYC?

Newark, NJ, is about 13 miles away from NYC, according to Google Maps. It takes around 30 minutes to reach by car, while the PATH train takes around 15 to 20 minutes.

What is it like to live in Newark, NJ?

Living in Newark, NJ, offers urban energy with easy access to New York City. The city has vibrant neighborhoods, strong arts and dining scenes, and affordable housing compared to nearby cities. However, some areas face higher crime rates and limited public services, requiring careful neighborhood selection.

What are the ideal transportation options from Newark, NJ, to NYC?

Taking the train is the ideal transportation option when traveling from Newark to NYC. It is very quick and affordable ($3 for a single ticket).

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Newark, NJ?

The crime rate is one of the things to take note of before you move to Newark. While there isn’t complete lawlessness, there’s also not the same safe feel (in select neighborhoods) that you get in NYC. It’s necessary to stay cautious after dark.

6. Hoboken, NJ

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How far is Hoboken, NJ, from NYC?

Hoboken, NJ, is about 4 miles away from NYC (the closest area so far on our list) and can be reached after a 20-minute car ride. The PATH train is also available, as well as the NY Waterway ferry.

What is it like to live in Hoboken, NJ?

Living in Hoboken, NJ, provides a lively, walkable city with skyline views of Manhattan and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy waterfront parks and restaurants, while benefiting from short commutes to New York City. However, housing costs are high due to demand and limited space.

What are the ideal transportation options from Hoboken, NJ, to NYC?

Taking the PATH train is the ideal transportation option between these two locations because it is quick and affordable.

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Hoboken, NJ?

There aren’t a lot of challenges that you can expect in Hoboken after moving there from NYC. They are very similar. However, Hoboken is smaller, which means that the PATH stations are more crowded at times. Since you’ll be using the PATH train quite a lot, this is something to consider.

7. Hackensack, NJ

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How far is Hackensack, NJ, from NYC?

Hackensack, NJ, is about 18.4 miles away from NYC, according to Google Maps. It takes around 45 minutes to reach by car, if the traffic conditions are favorable. There are other public transportation options that you can use as well.

What is it like to live in Hackensack, NJ?

Living in Hackensack, NJ, offers suburban comfort with urban convenience. Residents enjoy access to shopping centers, diverse restaurants, and proximity to New York City. The city is undergoing redevelopment with new apartments and public spaces. Housing is more affordable than in nearby towns, but traffic can be heavy during rush hours.

What are the ideal transportation options from Hackensack, NJ, to NYC?

The ideal transit options for moving between Hackensack and NYC are to take the NJ Transit Train or the NY Transit Bus. As mentioned earlier, you can also take a car ride, but it takes a bit longer.

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Hackensack, NJ?

For many people who have become accustomed to living in NYC, Hackensack may feel slower. Life there is not as quick as in the big city, and that can be a bit of an unpleasant surprise initially.

Another thing that might come as a bit of a letdown is the lack of transportation options. In NYC, the subway goes everywhere, and it’s super easy to get from one place to another. In Hackensack, the lack of such convenience may be quite noticeable.

8. Yonkers, NY

Image taken from Wikipedia.

How far is Yonkers, NY, from NYC?

Yonkers, NY, is about 15 miles north of Midtown Manhattan and can be reached in around 35–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. You can also take the Metro-North Railroad (Hudson Line), which gets you to Grand Central Terminal in about 25–30 minutes.

What is it like to live in Yonkers, NY?

Living in Yonkers offers a blend of urban and suburban life. Residents enjoy more space and affordability compared to most NYC boroughs, along with access to parks and quieter streets. However, some areas still retain a dense, city-like feel.

What are the ideal transportation options from Yonkers, NY, to NYC?

The Metro-North Railroad is the best transportation option for commuting to Manhattan, offering reliable service and direct access to Grand Central Terminal.

After living in NYC, what challenges can I expect in Yonkers, NY?

After living in NYC, you may find Yonkers a bit less connected and slower-paced. Public transportation isn’t as extensive as the subway system, so you’ll need to plan around train schedules or rely more on driving.

Wrapping Up

And with that, we’re going to wrap up our blog post.

The places mentioned above are great options if you are looking to move and live somewhere affordable near NYC. From Milford to Yonkers, each place has its own advantages and drawbacks.

One thing that you should know about all of the options mentioned above is that none of these towns and cities is as busy and hectic as NYC. If you are used to everything happening superfast everywhere around you, prepare for that pace to slow down once you move away.

FAQs

What cities are 1 hour away from NYC?

Cities about 1 hour from New York City include Stamford, White Plains, and Yonkers in New York; and Newark, Hoboken, and Jersey City in New Jersey. Some Connecticut towns, like Greenwich and Norwalk, are also within roughly an hour’s drive or train ride.

What is the most affordable place to live near NYC?

The most affordable places to live near New York City include Newark and Jersey City in New Jersey, and Yonkers or New Rochelle in New York. Newark generally offers the lowest median rent and housing prices while remaining within a 30–45-minute commute to Manhattan. We’ve discussed Newark in our list above.

Is $100,000 enough to live in New York City?

$100,000 per year can cover basic living costs in New York City for a single person, but leaves little room for savings or luxury. After taxes, monthly take-home pay is about $6,000–$6,500. Rent, food, and transportation typically consume $4,500–$5,500 monthly, depending on neighborhood and lifestyle.