New York Rent Prices Vary Widely Across the State

Rent costs in New York City boroughs are significantly higher than upstate areas.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A new report examines the drastic differences in rent prices around New York State. While the average monthly rent in Manhattan is $3,485, costs in upstate cities like Elmira and Buffalo are much lower, around $1,200 and $1,400 respectively. The article explores how rent prices have risen over the past five years, with some areas seeing over 20% increases, and looks at factors contributing to the ongoing housing shortage and rising rents across the Empire State.

Why it matters

Housing affordability is a major concern for many New Yorkers, especially as rents continue to climb. This report provides valuable data on the wide range of rental costs throughout the state, helping residents understand the regional differences and make more informed decisions about where to live.

The details

The report found that while the average monthly rent in Manhattan is $3,485, prices in the other NYC boroughs are also quite high - $3,100 in the Bronx, $2,986 in Queens, and $2,900 in Brooklyn. On Long Island, the average rent in Mineola is $3,900 per month. In contrast, upstate cities have much more affordable rents, with Elmira averaging $1,195, Buffalo $1,395, Albany and Syracuse $1,600, and Poughkeepsie $1,950. The article notes that rents have risen significantly in recent years, with the author's own rent increasing over 21% in the past 5 years despite no changes to the property.

  • The report was published on February 11, 2026.
  • Rent prices are projected to continue rising across New York State in 2026.

The players

Mike Karolyi

The author of the report, which was published on the zoey1039.com website.

Zillow Rent

The real estate data company that provided some of the rent price information cited in the report.

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What they’re saying

“I currently rent a 1,000 square foot home in the Capital Region for $1,700 a month. Not bad in 2026, right? Yes, but when you consider that I was paying $1,400 each month when I moved in 5 years ago, that is quite an increase, just over 21%!”

— Mike Karolyi, Author (zoey1039.com)

What’s next

The report does not mention any specific future events or next steps related to New York rent prices.

The takeaway

This report highlights the significant disparities in rental costs across New York State, with New York City and Long Island commanding much higher prices compared to upstate regions. The data underscores the ongoing housing affordability challenges facing many New Yorkers, especially as rents continue to rise steadily in recent years.