R
enting in New York City can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding affordable space. According to RentCafe's annual report, which analyzed average rents and apartment sizes in 200 US cities, Manhattan falls short in terms of price-per-square-foot bargain. For $1,500 per month, renters can expect only 216 square feet of living space, a fraction of the typical studio apartment.

    In contrast, other cities offer much more generous square footage for the same budget. In Wichita, Kansas, for example, $1,500 can get you a spacious one-bedroom with over 1,400 square feet. Tulsa, Oklahoma, also offers a large three-bedroom home with a patio for this price. Even in Queens, New York's largest borough, renters can find a relatively cozy one-bedroom with 345 square feet for $1,500.

    The national average afforded by $1,500 in 2025 is a comfortable 715 square feet, and many cities offer even more space. In fact, 63% of the cities surveyed have more affordable options than New York City. If you're looking to escape the cramped conditions of NYC, consider Rochester or Buffalo, which ranked high in the Northeast rankings for offering spacious apartments at an affordable price.