Vacation Rentals NYC: How to Find One You Can Afford

Sometimes renting an apartment in New York for a short stay works out cheaper than a hotel, or even a hostel.

When you're looking at vacation rentals, keep in mind that the price depends on the time of year, the features of the place, the neighborhood it's in, and how many people will be staying.

Our advice: don't rule this option out. You might be pleasantly surprised, so go take a look!

How to book a vacation rental

There are plenty of sites online for booking apartments in New York.

In our experience, the Booking search tool is efficient and reliable. At this link you can browse what the site has on offer and start planning a very New York kind of trip.

Its fees are low and it covers a wide range of apartments, from the most budget-friendly to cutting-edge design lofts.

How much it costs

Prices vary, but the average is around $70 per person per night.

You can also book for large groups, students, a city break, and all kinds of apartments: 1, 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms; luxury apartments, lofts, places with terraces, and rentals in SoHo.

So we'll say it again: check the available apartments and do the math before you decide.

Sharing an apartment: Airbnb

Airbnb works really well in New York for renting an apartment in New York at good prices and in more authentic neighborhoods. Airbnb in NYC is a legal, tax-paying platform, so book with confidence.

It's an ideal platform if you want to stay in the city for a vacation or a longer stretch of time, at more affordable prices.

Vacation rentals: pros and cons

Be aware that staying in one of these apartments means taking on some housework (unless you pay the daily cleaning fee, which pushes the price up).

That said, the experience of sleeping in a New York neighborhood hearing the neighbors through the walls, smelling fresh-baked bagels, and being able to pop out for the ingredients to make yourself a great breakfast, is living New York like a local.

Which neighborhood should you stay in?

If you still need more details and guidance to decide, click through to where to stay in New York.

Staying in an apartment is one of the best ways to save on your trip. Another is buying a tourist discount card to save on admission to the big sights.