10 Tips for Expats Living in New York City

Living in New York City as an expat in 2025 offers a wealth of opportunities and experiences. Our article 10 Tips for Expats Living in New York City offers some guidance on the basics for life in the Big Apple.

1. Understand the Cost of Living

New York City is renowned for its high cost of living, and your experience will almost certainly depend on your budget. Even if you can afford it, expats should know that money finds a way to disappear quickly in the city. Here’s how to approach NYC expenses based on three different economic groups.

AGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

Expats Who Have to Closely Watch Their Budget

• Housing: Look for shared apartments or rent in outer boroughs like Queens or Brooklyn, where prices are generally lower. Consider co-living spaces designed for budget-conscious individuals. Families will have to carefully consider their options in all 5 boroughs of the city, and possibly even consider a suburb in New Jersey, Connecticut or New York to make living in the New York City area a more comfortable experience.
• Groceries: Shop carefully to figure out where you can get what you need for less. Shop at more than one store to find the best price for each of your staples. Cook at home to save on dining costs as much as possible.
• Transportation: Purchase an unlimited monthly MetroCard, which covers subway and bus travel.

Expats Who Can Spend a Little More

• Housing: Carefully explore neighborhoods in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan that offer a balance of affordability and lifestyle amenities.
• Dining: Budget for occasional dining at mid-range restaurants in neighborhoods like Greenwich Village or Williamsburg.
• Transportation: Use the OMNY contactless payment system or a metrocard for flexibility, and consider ride-sharing services for short trips when it's essential.

Expats with a Large Budget

• Housing: Luxury living in Manhattan is widely available in neighborhoods like Tribeca, the Lower West Side, or the Upper East Side. High-end apartments often include premium amenities like doormen and fitness centers. They are very expensive.
• Dining: Indulge in the broad range of unbelievable culinary experiences. From fine restaurants, to gastropubs, sushi restaurants, Asian fusion, and on and on. The variety of options is stunning and you'll never have enough time to try them all!
• Transportation: Use private car services or even consider owning a car. Parking is expensive and traffic is awful at peak times.