Featured Blog — How to Limit Your Spending in New York City

Have you ever been stuck between “I need to save money,” and “you only live once”? It can be extremely difficult to learn useful, yet effective saving habits while juggling the hustle and bustle that comes with living in a lively city. Whether you have a temporary salary or receive a steady income, we can all relate to wanting to make every dollar count.

New York City, specifically Manhattan, is known to be one of the most expensive cities in America, due to high rent and limited space to live. However, the key to living large in the big apple does not require paying big bucks for everything.

For starters, public transportation should be your go-to option when traveling around the city. The subway and bus systems will take you anywhere you need to go for $2.75. As tempting and easy as it is to call an Uber, taking the train is a deal you truly can’t beat. Besides, those $10 rides can start adding up! The key to avoiding the long lines is to opt in for an unlimited MetroCard. Unlimited monthly MetroCards cost $121, and unlimited weekly cards cost $32. Think about it, a 40 minute cab ride can take 15 minutes on an express train for a fraction of the price. Sounds like a good deal to me.

The absolute best deal all over New York City is a classic slice of pizza, starting as low as $1. If you are a foodie actively looking for the best dollar slice in the city, you will more than likely find a $1 deal on about every corner. Just make sure you get enough steps in each day to work off that previous slice! Other popular cheap eats in the city are ramen noodles, and of course, the classic New York bagel. Lunch deals are something to take advantage of as well — many restaurants offer the same dishes for lunch as they do for dinner, but for a fraction of the cost.

Everyone deserves a night out and living on a budget shouldn’t limit your potential of having an unforgettable weekend — every weekend! There are tons of activities in and around New York City that you can experience for free. You can get to know the history of your favorite neighborhood, by taking a free walking tour. At no cost per laugh, a free comedy show is always a good choice as well. There are tons of places to choose from, but if you like laughing as much as I do, I challenge you to check out as many as you can.

Free admission days at popular museums like the Guggenheim (every Saturday from 5–8pm) are certainly something to take advantage of. To continue your artistic venture, enjoy complimentary admission to galleries all over the city each week.

Give brunch a new take and start your weekend with a visit to Brooklyn Brewery. Every Saturday and Sunday, you can be a part of their free brewery tours, which run every half hour from 1–6pm.

Are you hesitant to spend $35 or more on a workout class or pay monthly gym fees? A workout is not defined by having a gym membership and paying a monthly rate. Yoga to the people is completely free of charge and the community that you can gain out of it is priceless.

Do you enjoy live music? What about free live music? The GMA Summer Concert Series in Central Park is a local favorite, where you can request free tickets to each concert. If you are set on going to a free concert and miss out on free tickets, don’t worry. The free concert series in Prospect Park is equally as awesome. The Celebrate Brooklyn Festival, presented by BRIC and Prospect Park Alliance, is New York’s longest-running, free outdoor performing arts festival and takes place each summer at the Prospect Park Bandshell. While the complete 2019 lineup is not out yet, we can count on seeing performances from Mac DeMarco, Father John Misty, Jason Isbell and more.

Last but certainly not least, you can get the most out of your rental cost by choosing to live comfortably and affordably with Stoop. Forget monthly bills and the headache of remembering when to pay your WiFi bill! Instead, welcome a lifestyle that you deserve.

Living on a budget does not always mean you cannot do fun things. Following these tips will make you feel like you are making the most out of your dollar.

By Michael Ellick