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To visit NYC without being financially reckless, here are some strategies based on the most helpful WSO content:

  1. Affordable Housing Options:

    • Consider hostels or budget hotels like the Portland Square Hotel, which was mentioned as a cost-effective option in the heart of Times Square.
    • Look into subletting an apartment or using platforms like Airbnb for short-term stays. Staying within walking distance of your main destinations can save on transportation costs.
    • If you know anyone in the city, even acquaintances, explore the possibility of staying with them to cut down on accommodation expenses.
  2. Transportation:

    • Avoid Ubers and taxis; instead, rely on walking or the subway, which is much cheaper and efficient for getting around the city.
    • If you're traveling from nearby cities, buses like Greyhound can be an affordable way to get to NYC.
  3. Food and Drinks:

    • Skip expensive restaurants and bars. Opt for affordable yet healthy options like Sweetgreen, Chipotle, or Cava.
    • If you plan to go out, consider bringing a flask and spiking your own drinks to avoid paying $15–20 per cocktail at bars.
  4. Budgeting and Lifestyle:

    • Avoid lifestyle inflation. Stick to a strict budget and prioritize free or low-cost activities like walking tours, parks, and museums with free admission days.
    • Plan your expenses in advance and save up at least $5,000 if possible, as this is a solid amount to cover rent, food, and other essentials for a month.

By combining these strategies, you can make your NYC visit more financially manageable while still enjoying the city.

Sources: Managing Your Money - Building a Personal Financial Model, NYC worth it?, Broke Analyst - NY, What to do when you get a return offer?, Q&A: Coming to America - A Canadian in New York

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Honestly very doable, you could probably do om $2.2-3k if you’re smart. 

For lodging, you can get a room in Airbnb in NJ 30 minutes away. This will run you $1-1.5k. you could do Union City, Heights neighborhood in Jersey City (and take bus to Port Authority), Bergen Lafayette neighborhood in Jersey City (take Hudson Bergen Light rail + PATH). 

For food, can do Chinatown dumplings, fast food apps like McDonalds/Taco Bell, $1.50 slices or grocery stores like Aldi/Lidl. 

 

As far as food goes, Chicken over Rice is usually 9-11 dollars. Chinatown(Flushing or Manhattan) both have really good eats. Wah Ha Fung No. 1 gets packed pretty quickly, but you can get duck over rice for 9.50. There's a decent number of dumpling places where you can get like 15-20 dumplings for 10 bucks. Personally, I wouldn't order it every day because they are deep-fried, but t is pretty good. 

Buttered roll and coffee from a cart runs anywhere from 3.50 to 5.50 USD. Egg and Cheese on a roll is also pretty good.

Going out for drinks will kill your wallet if you go to speakeasies like Please Don't Tell, Tigre, or Caverna. Cockatails run anywhere from 15-28+. 

Writing
 

Personally OP, I would say just no alcohol on your trip could reduce your expenses significantly. Would refrain from cafes too (especially with side food), price adds up - depends on the neighborhood and shop though, there are a few cafes across the city that are probably worth splurging for if you can.

You're missing out on a lot on NYC if you're relying getting the food mentioned in the first paragraph (although high quality Chicken and Rice options are really amazing and could probably function as an OMAD option if you're really tight on budget).

 

An entire month is a little more than a visit.  What are you doing here for a month if you don't know anyone and aren't coming for work?

 

Hit Rudy’s and Jimmy’s Corner hard. Broadway Dive has a great happy hour too. If you’re moving size, quarts and calamari at Jeremy’s Ale House are the move.

 

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