Is It Cheaper to Rent a Studio or a Room in NYC in 2026?

Question

Accepted Answer

The studio vs. room question in NYC in 2026 is primarily a privacy vs. price tradeoff. Here are the current numbers.

Average monthly costs in NYC in 2026:

What you get for the extra cost of a studio:

When renting a room makes more sense:

You are new to NYC and want to keep initial costs low while exploring the city
You travel frequently and do not need a full apartment to yourself
You want a social living environment and to meet people in a new city
Your budget genuinely does not allow for a solo studio in your preferred neighborhood

The hidden costs of a studio vs. a room:

In a room, utilities are often shared or partially included — add $100–$200/month to a solo studio for electricity, internet and other utilities
The effective price gap between a room and a studio narrows when you factor in all-in costs