Cost of Living in Manhattan: A Guide on Expected Expenses

Manhattan, often known as “The City” by locals, is situated in New York City (NYC). It is located at the heart of the five boroughs of NYC, Manhattan is famous for its towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and cultural landmarks. Manhattan has its own set of expenses and the average cost of living in Manhattan for a month is around USD 1,650 for a person without rent.

In this guide, we’ll discuss various aspects of the cost of living in Manhattan, such as housing rent, local transportation costs, grocery costs, and a few other costs. It will help you get an idea of a living expenses budget if you are considering relocating to this fantastic city. Without further delay, let’s begin our discussion. 

Cost of Living in Manhattan

Managing living expenses in Manhattan is a key factor to consider when relocating here in the vibrant city. The average monthly cost of living in Manhattan for a family of four is approximately USD 14,500 with rent in the city area, while for a single person, it is around USD 5,800. 

The amount required for a comfortable life in Manhattan depends on several factors like the area you select, lifestyle you follow, and other personal preferences. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Manhattan across various categories:

Cost of Grocery in Manhattan

On average, the total cost of groceries a person’s cost in Manhattan might be around USD 149, considering each grocery item at a single unit measurement. The grocery costs include the cost of bread, milk, water, vegetables, fruit, and other eatable items. Figuring out the cost of groceries and food in Manhattan is the most important part of the cost of living in Manhattan. The table below lists the average cost of groceries in Manhattan: 

Grocery Item	Approx Cost
Milk (regular), (1 liter)	USD 1.54
Eggs (regular) (12)	USD 5.46
Rice (white), (1kg)	USD 7.16
Apples (1kg)	USD 6.93
Banana (1kg)	USD 2.04
Oranges (1kg)	USD 5.96
Tomato (1kg)	USD 6.21
Potato (1kg)	USD 4.26
Onion (1kg)	USD 3.78
Lettuce (1 head)	USD 2.88
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	USD 2.43
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	USD 4.72
meat, egg, drinks and Other items	USD 95

Costs of Rent in Manhattan

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan costs around USD 4,162 per month near the city centre, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to USD 8,432. The average cost of rent in Manhattan depends on several factors, such as location, size, lifestyle, etc., And it is the most important portion of the cost of living in Manhattan. 

Moreover, students need to plan for the accommodation cost they will be living in. The following table compares the cost of renting apartments within and outside the city centre:

Apartment Location	Approx Monthly Cost
One-bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	USD 4,162
Three -bedroom Apartment in the City Centre	USD 8,432
One-bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	USD 2,912
Three -bedroom Apartment Outside of the Centre	USD 4,431

Also Read: Cost of Living in Cuba: A Comprehensive Guide on Cuba’s Expense

Cost of a Utility in Manhattan

The monthly cost of basic utilities in Manhattan is around USD 177, including electricity, water, heating, garbage, internet services, etc. The utility cost can affect your cost of living in Manhattan according to the area you choose. In the table below, Utility costs in Manhattan are provided for your convenience:

Utility Type	Approx Monthly Cost
Basic Utility Cost (Heating, Electricity, Cooling, Water, and Garbage) (for 85m2 Apartment)	USD 177
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	USD 69
Monthly Plan of Mobile Phone with Calls and 10GB+ Data	USD 62

Restaurant Costs in Manhattan 

Restaurants in Manhattan offer a culinary adventure with a variety of food options. The average cost of inexpensive restaurant meals is around USD 30, which will not affect the cost of living in Manhattan that much. In the table below, we have demonstrated the average restaurant costs you can pay in the country:

Type of Restaurant	Approx Cost of Meal in Restaurant
Meal for at an Inexpensive Restaurant	USD 30
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course	USD 130

Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: A Comprehensive Guide on Hamburg’s Expense

Transportation costs in Manhattan 

Various modes of transport in Manhattan include cabs, buses, trams, Ferry, Subway, etc. The cost of a one-way ticket in Manhattan is around USD 2.90 for local transport. The overall cost of living in Manhattan includes transportation costs, which are outlined in the table below:

Mode of Transport	Approx Monthly Cost
Price of a One-way Ticket for Local Transport	USD 2.90
Regular Price of Monthly Pass	USD 132
Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	USD 5
Cost of Taxi 1 km (Normal Tariff)	USD 2.17
Cost of Taxi 1 hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	USD 30
Gasoline (1 litre)	USD 1.02

Average Tuition Fees in Manhattan

Along with the cost of living in Manhattan, figuring out the average tuition fees at the Universities in Manhattan can be a daunting task. The average tuition fees at the Universities in Manhattan are given in the table below.

Name of University	Approx Tuition Fees
Columbia University	USD 68,400
The City College of New York	USD 15,290
Kansas State University	USD 13,000 – USD 18,000
SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS	USD 13,000 – USD 18,000

Also Read: Cost of Living in Durham: A Comprehensive Guide

Things to Know When Moving to Manhattan

Manhattan is an attractive destination for all, and if you’re ready to move to Manhattan, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors along with the cost of living there. Whether you relocate for study or employment in Manhattan, you can consider some key factors that can greatly enhance your experience when moving to the city:

Weather in Manhattan

Manhattan is known for its stunning natural landscape and it has a humid climate characterised by hot and humid summers and moderately cold winters. The average temperature of Manhattan is about 0 °C in January and 22 °C in June. The annual precipitation in Manhattan is 44 inches. The climate of Manhattan, New York is a moderate climate.

Jobs in Manhattan

The average part-time work salary in Manhattan, New York City, is around USD 67,980 annually. The average monthly net salary after Taxes in Manhattan is around USD 6,000, which decreases students’ load with the budget of the cost of living in Manhattan.

Innovative University in Manhattan

Manhattan is home to several renowned universities and institutes known for their innovative academic programs and research excellence. These universities are ranked among the top in the US for innovation.

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FAQs

So, this was all about the cost of living in Manhattan. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.