Cost of Living in Staten Island, New York

Life on the Quiet Side of New York

If Manhattan is the city that never sleeps and Brooklyn is where trends are born, Staten Island is where New Yorkers go to breathe.
It’s a borough that feels distinctly different — a place where mornings start with ocean light and evenings end with the distant glow of the skyline across the water.

While the rest of New York leans into speed, Staten Island is defined by space. The pace is slower, the streets are wider, and the houses have yards instead of rooftops. For many, it’s a surprising kind of peace — especially when you realize you’re still within the five boroughs of the city.

What makes Staten Island unique is its balance. It’s still deeply connected to the city — via ferry, express buses, and bridges — yet it feels like its own world. You can step out of a chaotic Manhattan office, board a ferry for free, and 25 minutes later, find yourself somewhere that feels like suburbia. That kind of transition is priceless.

The island’s personality is quietly confident. It’s the only borough where you can find salt marshes, old Victorian homes, and brand-new modern developments on the same block. Its beaches, greenbelts, and historic towns make it feel almost small-town — until you catch that glimpse of the Freedom Tower on the horizon and remember where you are.

For many Outpost Coliving residents, Staten Island represents what’s missing from much of modern city life: balance. It’s where you can have space to think, space to save, and space to live — all without giving up access to opportunity.

It’s no wonder that the average cost of living in Staten Island is 20–30% lower than in Manhattan or Brooklyn. You get all of New York’s access, but at a fraction of the cost — and with far less stress.

Housing Costs: What You Get for Your Money

Housing defines everything in New York. It’s the first question, the biggest expense, and often the main reason people leave. But Staten Island quietly flips that script.
Here, the housing market is designed for longevity — not survival. Renters and homeowners alike can find properties that are comfortable, spacious, and attainable.

While a 400-square-foot studio in Williamsburg or the East Village might cost over $3,000 a month, the same price in Staten Island can secure a two-bedroom apartment with parking, laundry, and light.

That difference is more than a budget line — it changes the rhythm of life. You’re not living paycheck to paycheck, counting every square inch of your apartment. You’re living with room to exhale.

Average Housing Costs (2025 Estimates)

Those numbers might not sound low in absolute terms — but they are New York low. A Staten Island renter paying $2,200 for a one-bedroom saves about $1,000–$1,200 every single month compared to an equivalent space in Brooklyn.

That’s $12,000–$15,000 per year, enough to pay down student loans, travel, or simply live without the constant financial tension that defines most of New York life.

Neighborhood Breakdown

St. George — Staten Island’s cultural and transportation hub. It’s where the ferry lands, where artists gather, and where new apartment buildings mix with renovated prewar lofts.
Rents average around $2,300 for a one-bedroom, and many new developments offer views of Lower Manhattan that would cost four times as much across the harbor.

Tompkinsville & Stapleton — A creative core emerging with energy. These neighborhoods are filled with local restaurants, indie shops, and coworking spaces — the Brooklyn energy without the Brooklyn pricing.
Expect to pay around $1,900–$2,200 for a one-bedroom or small duplex.

Tottenville & Great Kills — Leafy, residential, and family-oriented. This is the quieter side of Staten Island, where you’ll find small houses, beaches, and great schools.
Rents hover between $2,800–$3,500, often for entire multi-bedroom homes.

New Dorp & Oakwood — Balanced and convenient, these mid-Island neighborhoods are ideal for commuters. They’re connected to the Staten Island Railway, making it easy to reach the ferry or Brooklyn.
A typical one-bedroom here costs $2,100–$2,400 per month.

Buying Property

For those looking to put down roots, Staten Island remains the most attainable place to own a home in all of New York City.
While Manhattan’s median home price exceeds $1.5 million and Brooklyn’s hovers around $1.1 million, Staten Island’s sits closer to $650,000.

And that figure doesn’t just buy you space — it buys you stability. Most homes are semi-detached or fully detached, with front yards, backyards, and driveways. For the price of a one-bedroom condo in Queens, you can own an entire three-bedroom home here.

Even property taxes are gentler: $6,000–$8,000 per year, compared to $10,000–$12,000 in other boroughs. For first-time homeowners, that difference can make buying realistic instead of aspirational.

Outpost Perspective: Flexible, Affordable, and City-Connected

But what if you’re not ready to buy — or not ready to settle? That’s where Outpost Coliving transforms the experience of living in New York.

Outpost offers the flexibility New Yorkers crave, with comfort they often can’t afford. You rent a private, furnished bedroom in a shared home — and the rest is handled.
Utilities, Wi-Fi, cleaning, and community spaces are all included in one flat rate.

For many, that flexibility is life-changing. It removes the usual barriers — broker fees, deposits, setup costs — and replaces them with simplicity. You move in, unpack, and you’re home.

But the real value isn’t just in the numbers. It’s in the lifestyle: shared kitchens where people cook together, living rooms that feel alive, and friendships that often outlast leases.

In a city where independence often turns into isolation, Outpost brings back connection.
It’s what modern housing should be — smart, social, and sustainable.

Transportation: Getting Around Staten Island

For anyone moving to Staten Island, one thing becomes clear almost immediately — getting around here feels different.

The pace of movement is gentler, the costs lower, and the chaos that defines so much of city commuting seems to dissolve the moment you step off the boat.

The borough’s defining symbol of freedom is, fittingly, the Staten Island Ferry — one of the last great urban luxuries that remains entirely free.

It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, carrying more than 20 million passengers annually between St. George Terminal on Staten Island and Whitehall Street in Lower Manhattan. Yet despite those numbers, there’s an unhurried calm to it all.

Morning commuters line up quietly with coffee cups and earbuds. Tourists snap skyline photos from the open deck. And locals — the ones who take it daily — have their rituals: the same seat by the window, the same ferry captain, the same rhythm of arrival and departure.

The 25-minute ride is unlike any other commute in New York City.

It’s a moment of stillness between two worlds — a calm transition from the suburban serenity of Staten Island to the vertical intensity of Manhattan. The air smells of salt, gulls hover overhead, and for a few miles you remember that New York is, at its core, a city on the water.

And the best part? It’s completely free. No MetroCard, no tap, no hidden fees — just the hum of the ferry and the skyline unfolding in front of you.

You can’t buy that kind of calm anywhere else in New York.

When you dock at Whitehall, every subway line is within walking distance. The 1, 4, 5, N, R, W, J, and Z lines connect you to every corner of the city, making Staten Island’s ferry commute one of the most underrated connections in the five boroughs. For many professionals and students, it’s not just a commute — it’s a ritual, a mental reset that turns travel into reflection.

Within Staten Island itself, mobility is surprisingly simple. The Staten Island Railway (SIR) runs the island’s length from St. George to Tottenville, passing through neighborhoods like Tompkinsville, Great Kills, and New Dorp. The line is included in the standard MetroCard system, and because traffic is lighter here, the schedule feels reliable — even relaxed.

Local and express buses fill the gaps, weaving through the residential core. Express routes like the SIM1, SIM3, and SIM33 take you straight to Midtown Manhattan in under an hour — perfect for those who prefer a seat and Wi-Fi to the morning rush of the subway.

Unlike any other borough, Staten Island also invites you to drive.

Parking exists — not as fantasy, but as fact. Garages, driveways, and open streets are part of the daily landscape. For residents coming from other boroughs, that alone can feel revolutionary. It’s the only place in New York where owning a car isn’t a luxury or a hassle — it’s just part of life.

Unlike the other boroughs, driving is common here — and practical. Staten Islanders own more cars per household than anywhere else in NYC, mostly because there’s somewhere to park them. You’ll find driveways, garages, and free street parking in most neighborhoods — a small miracle to anyone who’s circled for hours in Brooklyn.

For those who commute daily to Manhattan, the combination of ferry + subway keeps monthly transportation under $150, far less than the average commuter in Brooklyn or Queens.

Outpost Perk: Many Outpost residents living in Brooklyn or Queens enjoy weekend escapes to Staten Island. The ferry is an easy gateway — a free mini-cruise that reconnects them with calm before Monday arrives.

Food & Groceries

Staten Island’s food culture mirrors its people — authentic, family-driven, and quietly diverse.

It’s long been famous for its Italian heritage — you’ll find pizzerias on nearly every block — but it’s also become a melting pot of Caribbean, Eastern European, and South Asian cuisines.

Average Costs (2025 Estimates)

For comparison, the same grocery basket that costs $480 in Staten Island would be closer to $550 in Queens and $600 in Manhattan.

Where people shop:

• Trader Joe’s (New Springville) for organic produce and snacks
• Stop & Shop (Todt Hill) for essentials
• Western Beef & Key Food for budget items
• Family-run bakeries and Italian delis for fresh bread, cheese, and meats

Cooking at home is easy — apartments often have full kitchens (a rarity in NYC). It’s not uncommon for residents to batch-cook on Sunday and bring lunch to work, saving hundreds each month.

Outpost Coliving Perspective

In Outpost houses, shared kitchens often become social hubs. Tenants cook together, swap recipes, and split grocery runs. A $40 Costco trip among four roommates can feed everyone for days. Shared staples — olive oil, spices, condiments — cut costs without cutting flavor.

It’s the kind of living that feels both affordable and warm — where food becomes part of community, not just a transaction.

Utilities & Internet

Utilities in Staten Island are relatively moderate compared with the rest of NYC. Most newer buildings are energy-efficient, and because of its suburban layout, utility companies face less strain.

While these costs are predictable, most renters forget about setup fees, deposits, and seasonal spikes. A winter heating bill can double. Add in internet installation and you’re looking at $500 just to get started.

That’s why many young professionals opt for all-inclusive housing like Outpost Coliving. One flat monthly rate covers everything — no activation calls, no shared spreadsheets tracking bills, and no awkward Venmo reminders.

“I used to dread utility bills,” says Maya, a graduate student who moved to NYC from Chicago. “Now I pay one price for my Outpost room and know exactly what’s left in my budget for groceries and weekends.”

Outpost’s model turns the unpredictable rhythm of NYC finances into something manageable. Residents know exactly what they owe each month, freeing up both time and mental energy.

A Day in the Life — and Budget

To put it in perspective, here’s what a comfortable day in Staten Island might cost:

That’s about half of what an average Manhattan resident spends on daily living — without sacrificing comfort or access to culture.

Mini Summary of Savings

That $1,300 difference equals $15,600 per year — money that can go toward travel, savings, or the creative freedom to work fewer hours and live more fully.

Healthcare, Fitness, and Self-Care

Staten Island’s slower rhythm does more than lower your bills — it lowers your blood pressure.

In a city famous for stress, this borough offers space to prioritize wellness, both physically and mentally.

Healthcare Costs

The borough’s healthcare network is anchored by Staten Island University Hospital (Northwell Health) and Richmond University Medical Center, supported by smaller family clinics and urgent-care centers that make walk-in visits easier.

Residents save simply because waiting times are shorter, and travel to appointments doesn’t require crosstown chaos.

For wellness enthusiasts, the borough’s natural landscape becomes its own gym.

The Greenbelt Conservancy offers 35 miles of hiking trails; South Beach Boardwalk turns into an open-air running track; and the Alice Austen House Gardens make yoga at sunrise feel cinematic.

Outpost Wellness Advantage

Outpost residents often combine affordability with mindfulness — joining local studios or hosting yoga and fitness sessions in shared spaces.

The brand’s approach to community includes wellness-oriented events, from “Mindful Mondays” to “Healthy Dinner Nights,” proving that balance doesn’t require luxury gyms — just the right environment.

Entertainment and Weekend Life

Staten Island doesn’t shout for attention like Brooklyn or Manhattan. Instead, it rewards those who explore — with small pleasures that cost less but feel just as rich.

You’ll find Snug Harbor Cultural Center, a historic 19th-century campus turned arts complex with museums, concerts, and botanical gardens. In summer, Staten Island SummerStage brings outdoor film screenings and live music.

Food festivals are local treasures: the Staten Island Pizza Tour, Staten Island Beer Fest, and neighborhood street fairs that blend family life with culture.

If you’re looking for nightlife, you’ll find breweries and cozy bars like Flagship Brewing Co., where a pint costs $8 instead of $14 in Manhattan.

In Staten Island, entertainment is less about spectacle and more about presence. A weekend might mean a hike followed by a backyard barbecue, or a ferry ride to Battery Park for a gallery day.

Many locals say that the biggest luxury here is having time — something few New Yorkers can buy.

Outpost Perspective:

Outpost homes are built for this kind of lifestyle. With common spaces for movie nights, rooftop gatherings, and dinners, weekends naturally become social.

You save money on going out — and still enjoy the community you crave.

Outpost Coliving: A Smarter Way to Do NYC

Outpost Coliving takes the philosophy of Staten Island — simplicity, connection, and balance — and applies it to every corner of the city.

Outpost isn’t just housing. It’s an intentional community built for people who want freedom, not contracts; experiences, not chores.

You move in with your suitcase — everything else is ready: furniture, Wi-Fi, utilities, cleaning, and a network of neighbors from around the world.

Why It Works

The real difference, though, is emotional. Outpost residents describe the experience as “feeling at home in a city that never slows down.”

From yoga classes to shared dinners, it’s housing that builds connection, not just walls.

Outpost in Practice:

Residents who work or study in Manhattan often choose Outpost houses in Brooklyn or Queens. They get the same relaxed energy Staten Island offers, but with subway-level access to the city’s core.

Weekend ferry trips, joint cooking nights, and creative projects bring the comfort of small-town living into urban life.

Outpost’s system also eliminates traditional rental friction: no brokers, no hidden deposits, no waiting for Wi-Fi. Everything is ready from day one — meaning your focus can shift from surviving in NYC to thriving here.

Budget Example: Solo Apartment vs. Outpost Coliving

That’s a difference of $1,150 per month, or nearly $14,000 per year — all while living in a furnished space with built-in support, flexibility, and community.

Those savings can go toward a savings fund, travel, tuition, or simply breathing room — the most valuable currency in New York City.

Final Thoughts: The Affordable NYC Dream

Staten Island may not top every influencer’s “NYC must-live” list, but that’s exactly why it works.

It’s the quiet borough that delivers what the others lost — space, balance, and a sense of belonging.

It proves you can live in New York without letting the city swallow you. You can have skyline views without skyscraper prices. You can still feel like you’re part of something big, without being buried in it.

And for anyone looking for that same balance across the river — Outpost Coliving offers the mindset of Staten Island in every borough: flexible, community-oriented living that makes the city feel lighter, freer, and more human.

Because the goal isn’t just to afford New York.

It’s to enjoy it — sustainably, beautifully, and on your own terms.

Explore more on our blog →

Dive into guides on NYC neighborhoods, cost of living breakdowns, and how coliving helps you live smarter — from Manhattan’s Upper East Side to Brooklyn’s creative heart.