If you’ve ever daydreamed about moving to New York City, you are definitely not alone. Whether it was because of a movie, a book, a Pinterest board, or a version of yourself chasing a dream, I know the fantasy well—because I’ve lived it.
When I first started thinking about moving to NYC, I was overwhelmed. The excitement was real, but so was the stress. The rent, the paperwork, the neighborhoods I couldn’t pronounce, the speed of it all… it was a lot. I wish someone had sat me down and said: “Here’s exactly what you need to know before you start your apartment hunt.”
So that’s what this post is for.
Whether you’re officially planning your move or just bookmarking info for someday, I put together this guide based on my own experience moving to NYC and everything I’ve learned since. I’m covering when to start your search, how much money you actually need (because yes, it’s more than just rent), and what documents you’ll be asked for. It’s all here, plus a video I filmed walking through every step.
So grab a coffee, open a new spreadsheet for budgeting (you’re gonna want one), and let’s dive in.
🎥 Watch the Full Video: How to Rent an Apartment in NYC
Here’s the full breakdown in video form, if you prefer watching or want to hear all my tips in real time. Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe if you’re not already part of the YouTube fam!
1. When Should You Start Looking?
The answer depends on how familiar you are with New York. If you’ve never been here before, or don’t know much about the neighborhoods, subways, or general vibe of the city, I recommend starting your research around 3–4 months before your ideal move-in date.
This isn’t necessarily when you’ll find the one, but it gives you time to:
- Learn which neighborhoods feel right for you
- Understand subway lines and commute times
- Play around with budgets vs. locations
- Start noticing what you can (and can’t) get for your money
If you already know New York and have a specific area in mind, the real search can start around 30 days before you move. Most listings won’t appear until a few weeks ahead of time anyway—and they go fast. So a month before is that sweet spot between planning and action.
2. Where Should You Search?
I always recommend StreetEasy (this isn’t sponsored, I just really love the site). It’s the best place to search for NYC rentals, in my opinion.
Here’s how I use it:
- Set your desired neighborhood or draw a map around the area you want (maybe near your job or school)
- Set your budget and apartment size (studio, 1BR, etc.)
- Add filters for your must-haves (laundry in-unit, pet-friendly, outdoor space, etc.)
Remember: no apartment is going to be perfect—especially if you’re on a budget. Decide what your non-negotiables are and what you’re okay compromising on. Big windows? Elevator? Pet-friendly? A second bedroom for an office? It all depends on you.
3. What Documents Do You Need?
This is one of the parts that surprises most people—especially if you’re not from the U.S. or renting here for the first time.
Here’s a list of documents you should have ready to go before you start booking tours (or video calls):
- Three forms of ID (passport, driver’s license, social security card)
- Two most recent bank statements
- Two recent pay stubs
- Letter of employment
- First two pages of last year’s tax return
- A reference letter from a previous landlord (if possible)
- Guarantor’s info, if applicable
- If you’re self-employed (hi, me 👋), get a letter from your CPA detailing your annual income
The NYC market moves FAST. Having these documents ready could be the difference between getting an apartment or losing it to someone else who came prepared.
4. How Much Money Do You Need to Rent in NYC?
Let’s talk numbers. Because the rent isn’t the only thing you’ll be paying.
Here’s what you usually need upfront:
- First month’s rent
- Last month’s rent
- Security deposit (usually 1 month)
- Broker fee, if applicable (often 12–15% of the yearly rent)
Let’s say you’re eyeing a $2,000/month apartment. You could easily be paying $6,000–$8,000 upfront, depending on whether you’re going through a broker.
Other fees:
- Application fee (can’t be more than $20 per person by NY state law)
- Move-in fees, in some buildings
So yeah—it adds up. Planning ahead is key.
5. What Income Do You Need to Qualify?
Here’s the standard rule in NYC:
To rent an apartment, your annual gross income needs to be at least 40x the monthly rent.
That means:
- $1,500/month apartment → $60,000/year
- $2,000/month apartment → $80,000/year
If you don’t make that amount, don’t panic. You still have options:
- Get a guarantor (they’ll need to make 80–100x the rent)
- Find roommates (splitting costs makes a huge difference)
Final Thoughts
I know this might all sound overwhelming. Honestly, the first time I learned about NYC rental costs and paperwork, I wanted to crawl under a blanket and never move. But here’s the thing: it’s doable. People figure it out every day. You can figure it out, too.
New York is not an easy city to move to—but if it’s something you feel called to do, it’s 1000% worth it. The energy, the creativity, the diversity, the stories you’ll live and tell—there’s no place like it.
And if you ever need a hype woman, someone to remind you that you’re capable, that your dreams are valid, and that a tiny apartment with creaky floors could still be the start of something magical… I’m here.
If you have any questions about apartment hunting in NYC or want me to make a follow-up video, leave a comment or DM me on Instagram. I’d love to help.
Here’s to your New York chapter—whether it’s happening now or someday soon.
💫
— Flor
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