Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Manhattan, NY
Considering a move to Manhattan, NY? Home to about 1.6 million residents, Manhattan offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with exceptional access to public transport (58% usage) and world-class amenities. The median home price is around $1.23 million, with average rents near $3,800, reflecting a high cost of living. Commute times average 32.6 minutes, and crime rates are moderate for a major city (520 violent crimes per 100k). Manhattan stands out for its top-tier education, diverse culture, and a lively city environment—making it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Manhattan, NY
Demographics - Manhattan, NY
Manhattan is home to approximately 1.63 million people, making it one of the most densely populated urban areas in the U.S. The population is diverse, with nearly half identifying as White, and significant Asian, Black, and other communities, while 28.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The median age is just over 37, reflecting a balanced mix of young professionals and long-term residents.
Population:
1,630,000
Density:
70,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
28.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
47.0%
Black:
12.5%
Asian:
13.0%
Others:
27.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Manhattan, NY?
Living in Manhattan comes with a high price tag, as the median home value exceeds $1.23 million and average rent is about $3,800 per month. Essential expenses like groceries, housing, and transportation are well above the national average, contributing to a cost of living index of 180.2. Residents should also anticipate higher state tax rates and insurance costs compared to much of the country.
Median House Value:
$1,230,000
Gross Rent:
$3,800
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$2,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,420
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
180.2
Grocery:
128.5
Housing:
240.3
Utilities:
110.7
Transportation:
142.0
Health Care:
120.8
Miscellaneous:
129.2
Crime
Is Manhattan, NY a safe place to live?
Crime in Manhattan is moderate for a major city, with about 520 violent crimes and 2,200 property crimes per 100,000 residents annually. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is roughly 1 in 192. While these figures are lower than some urban centers, it's important for newcomers to remain aware of their surroundings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
520
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,200
Crime Index:
2,720
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 192
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Manhattan, NY year-round?
Manhattan experiences four distinct seasons, with chilly winters averaging below 40°F and warm, humid summers reaching up to 85°F. The city enjoys 58% sunny days annually and receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall, making it a vibrant location for those who appreciate seasonal changes.

Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
40°F

Spring
Min:
47°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Residents of Manhattan enjoy a median household income of about $93,500 and a per capita income of $83,000, but face a poverty rate of 15.6%. The area is highly educated, with over 63% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, and more than half of commuters use public transportation with an average commute of 32.6 minutes. The community is diverse and cosmopolitan, reflecting the global character of the city.
Median Income:
$70,000
Household Income:
$93,500
Family Income:
$118,000
Per Capita Income:
$83,000
Income Male:
$95,000
Income Female:
$80,000
Poverty Rate:
15.6%
Non English Speakers:
28.5%
Rent:
$3,800
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
58.0%
Commute Time:
32.6 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
88.5%
Bachelors or More:
63.2%
Education
How are the schools in Manhattan, NY?
Manhattan boasts a range of renowned educational options, from prestigious public schools like Stuyvesant High School to top private institutions such as Horace Mann. Higher education is also well represented, with Columbia University and New York University located within a short distance. The city's commitment to quality education makes it an attractive destination for families and students alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Stuyvesant High School
Street:
345 Chambers St
Phone:
212-312-4800
Students:
3,320
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.5
Name:
P.S. 234 Independence School
Street:
292 Greenwich St
Phone:
212-233-6034
Students:
720
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0

Private Schools
Name:
Horace Mann School
Street:
231 W 246th St
Phone:
718-432-4000
Students:
1,790

Colleges
Name:
Columbia University
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
31,000
Name:
New York University
City:
New York
State:
NY
Distance:
3 miles
Students:
58,000
Healthcare
Manhattan offers excellent healthcare access, with major hospitals like NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai providing top-tier services. There are about 6 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 94% of the population has health insurance. The city’s healthcare infrastructure ensures residents have a broad range of medical services and specialists.

Major Hospitals
Name:
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
Address:
525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065
Phone:
(212) 746-9100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mount Sinai Hospital
Address:
1468 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029
Phone:
(212) 241-6500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
6.0
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
79.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Manhattan, NY?
Manhattan's housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $1.23 million and average rent for a two-bedroom at $4,300. Most residents rent, as the owner-occupied rate is just under 24%, and vacancy rates are low at 3.7%. Home values have seen modest appreciation, making it a challenging but potentially rewarding market for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$1,230,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$4,300
Owner Occupied Rate:
23.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
3.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Manhattan residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on West 31st Street. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration are easily accessible, with comprehensive information available online at the official DMV website. This central location streamlines essential transportation-related tasks for city dwellers.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
366 W 31st St, New York, NY 10001
Phone:
1-212-645-5550
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.