Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,421 (excluding rent), and $3,919 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,660 (excluding rent), and $8,218 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$20.19 $20.19

$15.14 $15.14

$30.29 $30.29

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$120 $120

$75.2 $75.2

$150 $150

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.44 $12.44

$11.94 $11.94

$14.93 $14.93

Cappuccino

$5.64 $5.64

$2.91 $2.91

$6.8 $6.8

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.7 $2.7

$2.44 $2.44

$2.93 $2.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.53 $1.53

$3.06 $3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.83 $7.83

$5.87 $5.87

$9.78 $9.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.93 $7.93

$9.91 $9.91

Milk (1 liter)

$1.52 $1.52

$0.81 $0.81

$1.9 $1.9

White Bread (500g)

$4.52 $4.52

$2.7 $2.7

$7.01 $7.01

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.41 $6.41

$3.99 $3.99

$13.31 $13.31

Eggs

$5.52 $5.52

$2.03 $2.03

$10.14 $10.14

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.87 $13.87

$8.88 $8.88

$22.2 $22.2

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.66 $12.66

$5.03 $5.03

$17.87 $17.87

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$14.79 $14.79

$8.64 $8.64

$21.65 $21.65

Apples (1kg)

$5.88 $5.88

$2.89 $2.89

$10.69 $10.69

Banana (1kg)

$3.98 $3.98

$1.92 $1.92

$8.61 $8.61

Oranges (1kg)

$5.78 $5.78

$3.36 $3.36

$11.18 $11.18

Tomato (1kg)

$6.06 $6.06

$3.22 $3.22

$8.57 $8.57

Potato (1kg)

$5.27 $5.27

$3.39 $3.39

$9.02 $9.02

Onion (1kg)

$4.86 $4.86

$3.19 $3.19

$7.69 $7.69

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.74 $2.74

$2.02 $2.02

$3.32 $3.32

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.28 $2.28

$1.54 $1.54

$2.91 $2.91

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$15.04 $15.04

$16.04 $16.04

Wine (Bottle)

$19.75 $19.75

$9.88 $9.88

$24.69 $24.69

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.6 $2.6

$1.77 $1.77

$4.39 $4.39

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.57 $3.57

$2.48 $2.48

$4.97 $4.97

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.82 $2.82

$2.92 $2.92

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$133 $133

$131 $131

$133 $133

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.05 $3.05

$8.13 $8.13

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.22 $2.22

$3.19 $3.19

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$41.26 $41.26

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.95 $0.95

$0.8 $0.8

$1.07 $1.07

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25K $25K

$34.5K $34.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.3K $24.3K

$23.2K $23.2K

$25.6K $25.6K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$158 $158

$88.6 $88.6

$295 $295

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$60.2 $60.2

$25.09 $25.09

$120 $120

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69 $69

$40.27 $40.27

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$112 $112

$20.31 $20.31

$254 $254

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$67.3 $67.3

$49.27 $49.27

$73.9 $73.9

Cinema Ticket

$19.73 $19.73

$15.77 $15.77

$24.66 $24.66

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,881 $1,881

$820 $820

$3,346 $3,346

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$14.2K $14.2K

$4,964 $4,964

$25.8K $25.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$62.7 $62.7

$47.92 $47.92

$81.6 $81.6

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$59.1 $59.1

$39.89 $39.89

$94.8 $94.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$112 $112

$80.8 $80.8

$126 $126

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$133 $133

$101 $101

$162 $162

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,122 $3,122

$2,476 $2,476

$4,258 $4,258

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,394 $2,394

$1,803 $1,803

$3,156 $3,156

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$5,985 $5,985

$3,953 $3,953

$9,883 $9,883

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$4,352 $4,352

$2,701 $2,701

$7,503 $7,503

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$14.9K $14.9K

$11.7K $11.7K

$16K $16K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$9,329 $9,329

$8,054 $8,054

$10.7K $10.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,762 $3,762

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

7.2

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 24, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY - Frequently Asked Questions

Brooklyn blends iconic city living with a range of options, but overall costs tilt higher than many places. The Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY, United States is driven mostly by housing, which shapes monthly budgets. You can find value by favoring older, smaller units in transit-rich neighborhoods or by staying in parts of the borough with easy access to the subway. Seasonal offerings – pop-up markets, outdoor concerts, and affordable eateries – help balance entertainment costs. With strong transit links, you can live a bit farther from Manhattan and still reach work quickly. Tip: map longer daily trips to cheaper, well-served routes to stretch your budget.

When you search for housing, prioritize transit access and space that fits your work style. Look for studios or one-bed apartments near a reliable subway line, and consider shared options to save. Food options range from budget-friendly delis and international markets to farmers markets with seasonal savings; plan some meals at home to control costs. Getting around is usually fastest by subway, with biking and walking as affordable add-ons. Co-working spaces cluster in Downtown Brooklyn, Williamsburg, and DUMBO, making it easy to find a productive base. Brooklyn, NY, United States living cost varies by area, so choose with both comfort and commute in mind. Tip: try a weekly shopping plan and set a transit budget to stay on track.

A smart approach is to rate neighborhoods by vibe, safety, access to parks, and commute. Build a simple budgeting framework: identify a housing target that leaves room for groceries, transit, and a buffer for unexpected costs, then stick to it. Seasonal rhythms matter: summer events are lively but can boost dining and activity costs; winter heating and indoor options shift expenses. Save by cooking at home, using library resources, and taking advantage of free community events and outdoor markets. Neighborhood fit matters – whether you want tree-lined blocks in Park Slope or a hip, fast-paced scene in Williamsburg, pick areas aligned with your daily rhythm. Tip: set a short-term trial period in a couple of neighborhoods before committing.