Finances will be a key part of your decision-making when it comes to any relocation. For that reason, it’s necessary to take as many things into account as you can to make a decision that fits your needs. Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan? Before you hire movers NYC residents count on, let’s go over the overall costs of both places to find out the answer.
Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan? Let’s compare crucial details
When analyzing which part of NYC is cheaper, you want to get over the most important factors. From big to small details, everything counts. Here are some of the major things to take into account:
- Housing costs
- Transportation
- Lifestyle and amenities
- Daily cost of living
- Quality of life
- School and education
- Health and fitness
- Entertainment and cultural experiences
- Shopping
Take as many details into account as you can
Housing costs
A significant amount of New Yorkers’ money is spent on housing. Manhattan rates are still high, particularly in neighborhoods like Tribeca and the Upper East Side, where a one-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $4,000 a month. There is more variation in Brooklyn, where rental costs vary by neighborhood. Williamsburg and DUMBO are more expensive than Bushwick, Sunset Park, and Bay Ridge. When moving from Manhattan to Brooklyn, you can lower costs, with some areas offering one-bedroom apartments for around $2,500. Home prices are generally lower in Brooklyn, though property taxes vary.
Transportation
Public transportation in Manhattan and Brooklyn costs the same. A monthly metro pass costs $127, and each bus trip costs $2.75. But the travel from Brooklyn to Manhattan is often longer, especially from neighborhoods farthest from subway lines. Car ownership may result in higher expenses. Parking garages in Manhattan cost at least $500 per month, and there is a shortage of street parking. Brooklyn has more street parking, although garages in well-known areas are still pricey. Some neighborhoods in Brooklyn have made it easier to purchase a car, which reduces the need for public transit. Many people hire Manhattan moving companies when relocating, factoring in transportation costs when choosing a new neighborhood.
Lifestyle and amenities
Manhattan offers high-end restaurants, designer stores, and exclusive nightlife. Dining out often costs $20 to $50 per person, especially in areas like Midtown or the Upper West Side. Brooklyn provides a different experience, with affordable local spots, craft breweries, and independent boutiques. Williamsburg and Park Slope attract many looking for a vibrant yet relaxed setting. Entertainment in Brooklyn can be more budget-friendly, with concert venues and theaters charging lower admission fees. Some people hire white glove movers NYC citizens trust to ensure a smooth transition when relocating. Brooklyn’s lifestyle allows more flexibility in spending while still offering diverse dining and cultural experiences.
Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan? Explore the prices of the overall lifestyle
Daily cost of living
Groceries in Brooklyn often cost 5–10% less than in Manhattan, with prices varying by store and neighborhood. A standard apartment’s utilities, including electricity and heating, range from $100 to $200 per month in both boroughs. Internet and phone service prices remain similar, though Brooklyn may have more affordable local providers. Dining out and coffee runs tend to be cheaper in Brooklyn, where casual eateries offer better deals. Many people hire movers Brooklyn residents rely on to take advantage of lower costs while still enjoying city life. Everyday expenses in Brooklyn can add up to noticeable savings over time compared to Manhattan’s higher prices.
Quality of life
Brooklyn offers larger apartments and more outdoor space, making it appealing for those who want extra room. Many neighborhoods have tree-lined streets, quieter surroundings, and a strong sense of community. Prospect Park and other green spaces provide areas for walking, jogging, and relaxation. While Manhattan has an exciting energy, smaller apartments and crowded streets can make daily life feel overwhelming. Many families and professionals choose Brooklyn for a better balance between city life and personal space. Those relocating often hire Manhattan apartment movers to transition smoothly while gaining more comfort and a calmer environment in their new home.
Schools and education
Strong public and private schools are available in Brooklyn, particularly in neighborhoods like Park Slope and Brooklyn Heights. Smaller class sizes and education that is centered on the community frequently provide families with more options. Specialized STEM and arts programs are offered by numerous charter schools. With lengthy waitlists and stringent admissions, Manhattan institutions can be extremely competitive. Tuition at Manhattan’s private schools is typically expensive as well. “Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan?” is a common question asked by parents weighing their alternatives for schools. Although both boroughs have top-notch educational institutions, Brooklyn is typically a more convenient and cost-effective option for families.
Health and fitness
In Brooklyn, a gym membership typically costs between $50 and $150 a month, offering a variety of affordable training options. Due to Manhattan’s abundance of upscale fitness centers, monthly gym memberships often go from $100 to $200. Both boroughs include plenty of outdoor spaces for physical activity, such as Prospect Park in Brooklyn and Central Park in Manhattan. Healthcare costs in Manhattan and Brooklyn are comparable, with Manhattan having a 2% higher cost. Manhattan provides more specialized medical facilities, whereas Brooklyn provides conveniently accessible general healthcare services.
What are the costs of your fitness and healthcare needs?
Entertainment and cultural experiences
Manhattan offers renowned cultural experiences, including Broadway shows where ticket prices have surged. For instance, “Othello” starring Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal has tickets priced up to $921. In contrast, Brooklyn provides diverse cultural events at more affordable prices. For example, “A Streetcar Named Desire” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music features tickets starting at $200. Additionally, Brooklyn’s independent theaters often offer tickets ranging from $10 to $30, making cultural experiences more accessible.
Shopping
Brooklyn provides a wide range of shopping choices, including independent boutiques and neighborhood markets. While DUMBO and Park Slope have distinctive, reasonably priced retailers, Williamsburg is home to designer stores. Flea markets are also held in many communities, where buyers can find unique and reasonably priced goods. With so many designer companies on Fifth Avenue and in SoHo, Manhattan’s retail landscape tends to be more upscale. Brooklyn is a more affordable option because prices in these areas are frequently higher. Many shoppers who hire a packing service from movers prefer Brooklyn for its affordability and variety. Whether seeking vintage finds or handcrafted goods, Brooklyn provides a balance of cost and selection.
Additional factors to consider
Besides finances, there are some major differences between Manhattan and Brooklyn. All these changes can have a big impact on your overall lifestyle and pace of living. Here are just some of the details we want to underline:
- Vibe of both areas
- Commuting
- Renting vs owning
- Taxes
- Gentrification
- Housing availability
- Rent control
- Social scene
The overall feeling of Manhattan and Brooklyn
Manhattan moves fast, with crowded streets, bright lights, and constant activity. The energy suits people who enjoy a nonstop lifestyle, but the cost of living and small apartments can feel overwhelming. Brooklyn offers more space, quieter streets, and a stronger sense of community. Neighborhoods like Park Slope and Carroll Gardens have tree-lined blocks and local cafés where residents gather. Many find that making the most of your post-move time in NYC is easier in Brooklyn, where parks and open spaces provide balance. While both boroughs offer city life, Brooklyn gives a break from the intensity Manhattan demands.
How different do Brooklyn and Manhattan feel?
Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan? Time is money, so let’s analyze commute times
Compared to living in Manhattan, commutes from Brooklyn to the business sectors of Manhattan can take longer. The average commute for inhabitants of Brooklyn is 42.4 minutes one way. On the other hand, although commute times vary by area, commuters in Manhattan often have shorter commutes. Both boroughs are connected via the New York City subway system, although trains may get crowded during rush hour, lengthening the trip. Furthermore, imposing a $9 congestion fee on cars entering lower Manhattan might affect commuters’ decisions. To find a move that best suits your lifestyle, take these commuting times and expenses into account.
Renters vs homebuyers
Manhattan’s median rent was $4,500, while Brooklyn’s was $3,600. The average asking price for buyers in Manhattan was $1.55 million, which was 6.3% less than the previous year. Brooklyn’s median price rose 4.8% to $1.1 million. These figures show that Brooklyn remains more affordable than Manhattan for both purchasers and renters, even with price hikes.
Taxes
In New York City, property tax rates are uniform across all boroughs. For the fiscal year 2025, Class 1 properties (one- to three-family homes) are taxed at 1.2051% of their assessed value. However, due to assessment methods and market values, effective tax rates can differ. For instance, Brooklyn’s median effective tax rate for Class 1 properties is approximately 0.68% of market value, while Staten Island’s is about 1.05%. Regarding income taxes, both boroughs fall under the same New York City and State tax brackets. In 2025, city income tax rates range from 3.078% to 3.876%, depending on income levels.
Don’t overlook taxes
The impact of gentrification
Gentrification has changed Brooklyn, raising home prices and rents in areas such as Bushwick and Williamsburg. Longtime residents often struggle with rising costs, while new businesses attract higher-income renters. Still, is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan for most people? In many cases, yes. Neighborhoods like East Flatbush and Canarsie remain more affordable, offering lower rents and larger spaces. Some areas see new cafés, shops, and developments, making them more desirable but also pricier. Those looking for better deals may need to explore beyond well-known spots, as Brooklyn’s transformation continues to push prices higher.
Housing availability
The property market in Manhattan is still quite competitive in 2025, with few available homes and exorbitant rates. Manhattan’s premium real estate market is reflected in the median property price of almost $1.1 million. Brooklyn has historically provided more varied and reasonably priced housing alternatives, but it is also seeing a rise in demand and price increases.
The price difference between the two boroughs is decreasing, as evidenced by Brooklyn’s median home price of about $989,000. A more competitive market for potential purchasers has also resulted from Brooklyn’s home inventory declining by 5.5% year over year. This pattern implies that although Brooklyn still has a range of housing options, such as townhouses and brownstones, the availability and affordability for people thinking about moving may be impacted by the heightened competition and growing costs.
Rent control and stabilization
About 1 million apartments, or almost half of all rental units in New York City, are rent-stabilized. A little over 1% of the city’s rental stock, or 24,020 units, are subject to rent regulation, an older scheme. Rent-stabilized apartments are available in both Brooklyn and Manhattan, albeit the availability varies by location. In 2022, there were roughly 8,000 unoccupied rent-stabilized apartments in Brooklyn and 14,000 in Manhattan. Due to strong demand and few available apartments, finding a rent-stabilized apartment in any borough might be difficult.
Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan? Analyze how rent is controlled in both boroughs
Social scene
Manhattan’s vibrant social scene, which offers a vast array of events, dining options, and nightlife possibilities, attracts people seeking a fast-paced lifestyle. Brooklyn provides a more relaxed environment for a range of cultural experiences. DUMBO and Bushwick are two neighborhoods with thriving art scenes, complete with public murals and galleries. Brooklyn is home to several literary and music festivals, such as the Brooklyn Book Festival and the Afropunk Festival. Manhattan caters to people who want to be busy all the time, while Brooklyn appeals to people who desire a more laid-back lifestyle combined with cultural engagement, even if both borough
The final verdict
Is moving to Brooklyn cheaper than living in Manhattan? In the end, it will depend a lot on your needs and your spending habits. Even if Brooklyn and Manhattan are part of NYC, there are still going to be differences you will encounter. Take on as many details from your personal perspective and decide which of the two options is more affordable.
