This Tiny NYC Apartment Rents for $650 a Month: Here's What It's Really Like

Living in New York City is expensive. But one woman found a way to live in Manhattan for just $650 a month. That’s less than the price of many parking spots in the city.

In this article, we’re going to look inside this small NYC apartment, see how she makes it work, and talk about what this kind of space means for renters today. We’ll also compare it to the rising costs in New York and what $650 gets you in other cities. If you’re curious about tiny spaces, saving money, or just like real estate stories, keep reading.

What Does $650 a Month Get You in NYC?

A lot of people dream about living in New York. But it’s known for high prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan is over $4,200 per month (source: RentHop, May 2025). So finding a space for $650 feels almost impossible.

But that’s exactly what this renter did.

She lives in Midtown Manhattan. The location is great—close to work, shopping, and the subway. But the space is very small.

Size: About 80 by 150 inches — that’s only 83 square feet. For comparison, the average parking space is around 100 square feet. So yes, this apartment is smaller than a car spot.

A Walk-Through of the Apartment

Let’s take a look at how she uses the space.

Kitchen Corner

The kitchen is tiny. There’s no oven. Just a sink, shelves, and a small stove.

There isn’t much room for cooking. She often buys fresh food when she does cook. There’s not a lot of storage either, and she has to keep things tidy to avoid bugs or mice—something many NYC renters deal with.

Interesting Fact: NYC has a serious rodent problem. In 2022, the city had over 19,000 rodent complaints (source: NYC 311 Data).

Living Area

The living area is just a small couch, a TV, and some shelves. Everything is close together. You can wash your hands from the couch if you stretch a bit.

She keeps her magazines, clothes, and souvenirs here. She even uses postcards as wall decorations with memories written on the back.

Guest Bed

There’s no real guest room, but the couch pulls out into a bed. It’s stiff and not very comfy, so when friends visit, she buys a mattress pad. After the visit, she returns it since there’s nowhere to store it.

The space is flexible but tight. To move one thing, she has to move another.

Closet Space

There is one small closet under the stairs. It’s used for jackets and things she doesn’t need every day.

In the winter, she switches clothes around and hangs items from a single rod across the wall. It’s not ideal, but it works.

Sleeping Loft

The bed is in a loft space above the living room. It feels like a treehouse. But it’s so close to the ceiling that you can’t sit up straight.

There’s just enough room to sleep, but not much else.

The loft is not good for anyone with limited mobility. And it's not great for couples—it’s too small for two people.

Bathroom: Not in the Apartment

The bathroom is down the hall. That’s right—it’s shared with others on the floor.

But she says she feels safe. The neighbors are kind and respectful. Everyone knows each other, which helps.

Her shower and skincare items stay in a basket she takes with her.

Note: In NYC, shared bathrooms are not rare in older or lower-priced buildings.

Rooftop Escape

With such a small space, she needs fresh air. Luckily, the building has a rooftop. She uses it three or four times a week to read, do yoga, or just breathe.

It helps with the claustrophobic feeling that comes from living in such a tight space.

So Why Live Here?

She used to live in a luxury high-rise. Big rooms, modern appliances, even a doorman. But it cost her over $3,000 a month.

Now, she saves $2,600 every month. That’s over $15,000 in six months.

This tiny space came with a short-term lease, which gave her the freedom to decide later if she wants to stay in New York or go back to Los Angeles.

She also said this space taught her an important lesson:

“People need a lot less than they think.”

How Did She Find It?

She used StreetEasy, a popular NYC apartment search site. She originally wanted a different unit in the same building—one with a bathroom and oven—but it was already taken.

The agent liked her personality and offered her this unit instead.

When she toured the space, there were many people waiting to see it. It was a hot rental. Students from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) were interested too.

In NYC, affordable apartments get scooped up fast. It’s common for units to rent within days.

NYC Rent Facts

Here are some quick stats to understand how rare this apartment is:

What’s the Trade-Off?

Low rent sounds great. But here’s what you give up:

• Space — just over 80 square feet
• Privacy — shared bathroom
• Comfort — no oven, tiny bed loft
• Storage — minimal

Still, the savings and location may make it worth it for some.

Lessons from This Tiny Apartment

This apartment might be small, but there’s a lot to learn from it:

• You can live with less — She uses only what she needs
• Good location matters — Being in Midtown saves time and money on travel
• Creative storage helps — Hanging clothes and moving things around works
• Flexibility is key — A pull-out couch becomes a guest room
• Shared spaces can work — If neighbors are kind, a shared bathroom isn’t a big problem

Would You Live Here?

Not everyone would be happy in this space. But for the right person, it’s perfect.

If you’re looking for a short-term rental, want to save money, or spend most of your time outside the house, this kind of setup could work.

It’s not just about size. It’s about making smart choices that fit your life.

Ready to Find Your Next Apartment?

If you’re in Milwaukee and looking for a space that fits your budget and lifestyle, Enigma Properties can help.

We manage apartments all over the city. From cozy studios to spacious two-bedrooms, we’ve got options to meet your needs.

Contact us today for current listings and a free tour.

And if you’re renting, don’t miss our next article:
“This is Why Your Room Feels “Off” (And How to Fix It” — full of tips to help you make your space feel like home without risking your deposit.

Conclusion

This tiny NYC apartment shows that smart choices and flexibility can help you live well even in a small space. It’s not for everyone, but it offers big lessons about value, savings, and what we really need to feel at home.

Keep exploring, keep learning, and remember—it’s not the size of the space, it’s how you live in it.