Cost of Living in Brooklyn, NY: Everything You Need to Know Before Renting Here

Moving to New York City is a dream for many. But when you’re a renter, it can feel like jumping into the deep end without a life vest. Between packed open houses, fast-moving listings, and sky-high rents, finding a place to live in the city is no small feat.

Brooklyn, NY, in particular, has become one of the hottest rental markets in the entire country. With fierce competition, most renters renewing their leases and very few vacant rentals on the market, it’s no wonder that searching for apartments in Brooklyn can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned city dwellers.

Brooklyn’s popularity isn’t just hype — it’s a borough full of character, culture and community. But along with its charm comes a cost. Whether you’re moving from another part of New York City or making an interstate move, understanding the cost of living in Brooklyn can make all the difference in how well you adjust.

What’s the average cost of living in Brooklyn?

Beyond your monthly rent, it’s important to have a realistic sense of what to expect in terms of expenses. From groceries and utilities to transportation, healthcare, and everyday services, they should all be considered for your monthly budgeting.

As of March 2025, Brooklyn’s median household income stands at $81,084. This figure can help put things into perspective when analyzing how far your paycheck might go here.

Brooklyn is part of one of the priciest urban areas in the country. Sure, it might be a little easier on your wallet than Manhattan, but it’s still way more expensive than most places in the U.S. Here’s how specific costs compare:

• Housing: 51% higher than the state average, and 57% higher than the national average.
• Utilities: 7% more expensive than the state, and 5% higher than the national benchmark.
• Food: 7% higher than the state and 11% higher than the national average.
• Healthcare: Equal to the state average but 2% lower than the U.S. average.
• Transportation: 5% more than the state average, and 1% higher than nationally.
• Goods & Services: 6% more than the state and 7% higher than across the U.S.

Breaking down the cost of living in Brooklyn

To truly understand the cost of living in Brooklyn, you need to know what all your everyday expenses are going to look like. That way, you can be financially prepared before committing to an apartment. Here’s a closer look at what renters can expect:

Housing (Buy and Rent):

• Average monthly rent as of May 2025: $3,477
• Average home price: $1,411,780
• Mortgage rate: 7.30%

Utilities:

• Average monthly energy bill: $250.31
• Average monthly phone bill: $203.07

Food:

• Milk (1 gallon): $5.14
• Eggs (1 dozen): $3.63
• Bread: $4.05
• Potatoes: $4.48
• Cheese: $5.91
• Ground beef: $6.98

Healthcare:

• Doctor’s visit: $192.84
• Dentist appointment: $171.93
• Optometrist visit: $152.60

Transportation:

• Gasoline (1 gallon): $3.43
• Tire balancing: $89.82

Goods & Services:

• Men’s shirt: $40.04
• Women’s slacks: $35.65
• Boy’s jeans: $33.23
• Haircut: $31.94
• Beauty salon appointment: $68.80
• Dry cleaning: $16.80
• Movie ticket: $15.29

Is Brooklyn a good choice for renters?

There’s no question that the cost of living in Brooklyn is high. But for many renters, the borough’s cultural diversity, local amenities and access to the rest of New York City make it worth the price.

Brooklyn’s housing costs are especially steep, with prices significantly higher than both state and national averages. Utilities, food, transportation, and everyday goods also run higher in Brooklyn, which can quickly add up. However, for those who value the lifestyle and opportunities of New York City, Brooklyn continues to be a great choice.

Whether you’ve already moved a few times or you’re a first-time renter, comparing the cost of living in Brooklyn to other locations can help you make a more informed decision. Before signing a lease, take some time to determine what your full monthly expenses might look like, not just your rent.

By doing your homework up front, you’ll be in a better position to budget wisely, find the right apartment, and ultimately enjoy all that Brooklyn has to offer without getting blindsided by the bills.