Cost of living · New York, NY · 2026
What salary do you need to live in New York, NY?
What salary do you need to live in New York, NY?
To cover the essentials living alone in New York, NY — about $4,922 a month — you need to earn roughly $77,000 a year before tax (accounting for NY state tax). To live comfortably, with money left for savings, closer to $109,000. Rent alone is $3,900 a month.
Verified 12 August 2026
To get by $77,000 Covers rent and essentials with little spare
To be comfortable $109,000 Essentials plus room to save and enjoy the city
What it costs to live in New York, NY
| Monthly cost | |
|---|---|
| Rent (one-bed) | $3,900 |
| Utilities | $200 |
| Transport | $132 |
| Food | $550 |
| Health | $140 |
| Total | $4,922 |
On the $77,000 "get by" salary, your take-home is about $4,911 a month — just covering the $4,922 of essentials.
Roommates change everything. Splitting rent and utilities can cut the salary you need by tens of thousands. Run your own numbers →