10 Cheapest Places to Live in New York (Updated for 2025)

When most people hear "New York," they think: inflated shoebox apartments, outrageous rents, and endless battles with your bank account. What if we said that the Empire State actually contains some of the cheapest places to live in New York, and they are not just livable, they are surprisingly excellent?

Whether you are looking to escape the prices of NYC, relocate for work, or simply want a way of life that doesn't require three roommates and two side hustles, this list of cheap places to live in New York is your plan to low-cost living without compromising quality. From affordable cities with artsy downtowns to upstate towns with nature in your backyard and housing prices to match, these hidden gems show how New York living doesn't have to be expensive; it just needs to be smart.

Cheapest Places to Live in New York | Comparison Table

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Area Name	Avg Rent	Median Home Price	Avg Cost of Living	Nearby Universities
Hornell	$995	$108,000	21.9% below national avg	Alfred University, SUNY Alfred State
Ogdensburg	$825	$110,600	25% below national avg	SUNY Potsdam, St. Lawrence University
Niagara Falls	$1,099	$159,000	13% below national avg	Niagara University, SUNY Buffalo
Oneida	$1,250	$187,000	15% below national avg	Colgate University, SUNY Morrisville
Syracuse	$1,450	$196,000	12.6% below national avg	Syracuse University, SUNY ESF
Utica	$1,525	$160,000	Low	Utica University, SUNY Polytechnic Institute
Rochester	$1,443	$152,000	Below national avg	University of Rochester, RIT
Buffalo	$1,350	$229,600	37% below national avg (housing)	University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College
Troy	$1,375	$271,000	30% below national avg (housing)	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Russell Sage College
Albany	$1,500	$249,000	0.7% below national avg	University at Albany (SUNY), Albany Law School

1. Hornell

Hornell is one of the cheapest places to live in New York, located in Steuben County, approximately seventy miles south of Rochester. It is a perfect location for students looking for an affordable place. With Alfred University and SUNY Alfred State nearby, it is a hotspot for students looking for affordable housing and all the excellent programs in New York.

All things considered, the average rent is $995, and the statewide cost of living is roughly 22% below the national average, which makes it one of the top cheap cities in New York for students.

2. Ogdensburg

Ogdensburg is located on the St. Lawrence River, near the Canadian border, and is among the cheapest places to live in New York, ideal for students who desire the scenic charm of the river and low living expenses.

Located near SUNY Potsdam and St. Lawrence University, Ogdensburg is advantageous because you still have access to housing stock for an excellent education in New York while looking for affordable housing.

All things considered, the average rent is $825/month to rent in Ogdensburg, with a 25% lower cost of living than the statewide average. Therefore, Ogdensburg has to be one of the cheapest places to live in New York to accommodate students when living off-campus.

3. Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is not only for visitors, but also one of the cheapest places in New York to live, especially for students attending the western area of the state.

Niagara University provides programs in business, healthcare, and hospitality. SUNY Buffalo is also close by.

Rent is just $1,099, and there is a 13% lower cost of living, making it also one of the cheapest places to live in New York for students working part-time with school.

4. Oneida

Oneida lies between Syracuse and Utica and is one of the cheapest places in New York to live for students who prefer residential settings.

Colgate University and SUNY Morrisville are nearby. Students can receive high-quality education without the price of living in an expensive city.

Rent is around an average of $1,250, and the cost of living is around 15% below the national average, making Oneida one of the cheapest places to live in New York, especially for students who are on a budget.

5. Syracuse

Syracuse is a familiar and affordable city in New York with a college town vibe while offering the amenities of a large city.

It boasts Syracuse University and SUNY ESF, bringing students excellent programs and affordable housing in New York.

Average rent is roughly $1,450, with 12.6% lower living costs than the national average, making Syracuse a common contender in the cheapest cities to live in New York, especially for college.

6. Utica

Utica is one of the cheapest places to live in New York, located 1 hour from Syracuse in the Mohawk Valley.

With two universities (Utica University and SUNY Polytechnic Institute), Utica students benefit from lower tuition, cheaper housing costs, and local community living.

Generally, rent is around $1,525/month, even though rent prices continue to climb, Utica ranks as one of the most affordable places in New York for undergrads and grad students alike.

7. Rochester

Rochester is another affordable city in New York for students (particularly students at research universities).

The University of Rochester and RIT have nationally ranked programs, and housing costs are significantly lower than in New York City or Boston.

Average rent is $1,443, and the cost of living is below average when compared to the national average, which really puts it on the map as one of the best affordable places to live in New York with a metropolitan flair.

8. Buffalo

Buffalo represents not only one of the largest cities in New York but also one of the cheapest. Where can you find a city that offers a blend of culture, community, and savings?

If you are a student who happens to attend a state institution such as the University at Buffalo or Buffalo State College, you will have the pleasure of enjoying city life and affordable housing options in New York.

With average rent around $1,350/month, housing costs that are -37% versus the national average, Buffalo is a cheap alternative for students living in one of the cheapest areas in New York.

9. Troy

Troy is a riverfront town just above Albany, which blends charm, history, and is one of the cheapest places to live in New York for young professionals and students.

The town is home to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College, both with respectable programs in engineering, liberal arts, and health-related fields.

The average rent is at about $1,375, with housing costs at -30% below the national average. Troy is a great option for affordable living in New York near the state capital.

10. Albany

Albany, the state capital of New York, finishes the list of the cheapest places to live in New York with great infrastructure and job opportunities.

The University at Albany (SUNY) and the Albany Law School are the main draws for students to come to this affordable city with serious academic credentials.

The average rent is about $1,500, and the cost of living is 0.7% less than the national average, which is a rarity for students in a government and education hub.

Final Thoughts

New York has a reputation for ripping wallets apart like the pigeons rip a bagel apart. However, as you have just seen, New York still has some affordable living locations that will keep your wallet from crying for weeks. The trick? Looking beyond the headlines and beyond the Hudson.

Because while Wall Street lays waste to the high-rises, actual people are living and thriving in affordable cities in New York, where the coffee is cheap, the commutes aren't nuts, and the rent? Dare I say reasonable? If you thought "cheap living in New York" was an oxymoron, think again. The map isn't broken, it's just been zoomed in incorrectly.

Readjust your focus. Rethink the skyline, the pros and cons. The cheapest places to live in New York aren't just alternatives; they might just be your upgrade.