Who doesn't love New York City? The energy, the sights, the sounds...and, of course, the chance to live in one of the most sought-after zip codes in the country. Congratulations if you're lucky enough to be on the hunt for a Manhattan flat! You're in for a treat.

But be warned: getting a nice place to call home in Manhattan is no walk in the park. With so many options and so many people competing for them, it's easy to get overwhelmed—and fast.

But don't worry; we're here to help. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about finding premium monthly rentals in Manhattan that fit both your budget and lifestyle.

Keep reading to learn more!

What You Can Expect To Spend

Manhattan flats come with a hefty price tag—there's no getting around that. But just how hefty? According to Zillow, the median rent for a Manhattan apartment is currently $4,195 per month. Of course, that number will vary depending on the size and location of the flat you're interested in.

For example, if you want a one-bedroom in Brooklyn Heights, you can expect to pay closer to $3,000 per month. But if you want a two-bedroom on the Upper West Side, you can expect to pay closer to $5,500 per month.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to save money on your Manhattan flat hunt—you just have to know where to look. But first things first: you need to know what you can realistically afford so that you can start narrowing down your search.

How To Find The Right Fit

There are endless factors to consider when choosing a Manhattan apartment—location, price, size, amenities...the list goes on and on. So, where do you even begin?

We recommend starting with your must-haves and working from there. For example, if you need a doorman and laundry in your building, you can start by eliminating all other options that don't offer those amenities.

From there, you can begin considering other factors like price and location. Once you've narrowed your list, you can start visiting potential flats and envision yourself living there.

And finally, once you've found an apartment that ticks all of your boxes and makes you feel at home, it's time to start filling out those rental applications!

How To Save Money On Your Flat Hunt

Get connected with a real estate agent specializing in luxury rentals

This may seem like common sense, but it's worth repeating—an excellent real estate agent is worth their weight in gold (or greenbacks). A luxury rental specialist will access exclusive listings unavailable to the general public.

They'll also be able to give you insights into which neighborhoods are trending (and which ones might be overpriced).

Not sure where to find a reputable real estate agent? Start by asking around for recommendations or checking out online reviews.

Where possible, avoid move-in costs

Many landlords will require the first and last month's rent plus a security deposit when signing a lease agreement. If possible (and if it makes financial sense), try negotiating with your landlord so that they cover some or all of these costs.

Additionally, some landlords might be willing to give you a few months of free rent if you sign a more extended lease agreement (i.e., two years instead of 1 year). It never hurts to ask!

Consider furnished apartments

Furnished apartments come with a higher price tag, but they can save you money in the long run. That's because you won't have to worry about buying (or renting) furniture, which can be expensive and time-consuming.

Plus, many furnished apartment buildings offer additional amenities like housekeeping and laundry services—so you can save even more money and time in the long run.

Get creative with your search

If you're flexible on location, try expanding your search to slightly less expensive neighborhoods. For example, if you're set on living in Brooklyn Heights, you might want to consider Cobble Hill or Boerum Hill.

These neighborhoods are just a few minutes from Brooklyn Heights but are often significantly less expensive. And, who knows? You might like your community even better than your original choice!

Don’t fear to negotiate

Regarding Manhattan flats, everything is negotiable—from the rent price to the length of your lease agreement. So, don't be afraid to haggle with your potential landlord.

Enjoy Your Stay in Manhattan!

When apartment hunting in Manhattan or anywhere else in the Big Apple, remember that it is all about location, location, location. Even so, don’t forget to have the tips we shared with you here at the back of your mind during your house search.

Thanks for reading our guide and good luck in your hunt!