Not everyone who comes to New York is here for good. Some people spend a few months in the city on work assignments, gap year adventures, or long-term travel that lets them experience the rhythm of the Big Apple beyond a quick vacation. I’ve had several friends do this—one came for a three-month media internship, another stayed half a year while freelancing remotely, and a cousin of mine spent a whole summer just exploring. Each of them had a different experience, but they all agreed: New York can be both exhilarating and overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. So without further ado, as part of our offMetro blog, we’ll explore what to consider when spending a few months in New York City.
Here are a few things to think about if you’re planning a long-term stay in NYC.
Cost of Living: Budget Like a Local
One of the first shocks people get when they land in New York isn’t the skyscrapers—it’s the price tag. A friend of mine from Spain, who came for a three-month design fellowship, nearly fainted when he saw how much a basic sandwich cost in Midtown. On average, one person can spend upwards of $4,000 per month on housing, food, and transport. Salaries here often balance that out, but if you’re coming on savings or a stipend, you’ll need to be extra mindful. For more info, read this article on Numbeo.
What helped my cousin was treating budgeting like a daily ritual: tracking every dollar, shopping at Trader Joe’s instead of boutique grocers, and using the subway or walking everywhere (she swore her step count doubled while in New York). Cutting corners where you can frees you up to enjoy those once-in-a-lifetime Broadway shows or museum passes without guilt.
Watch this video to learn more:
Neighborhoods: Finding Your Temporary Home
The magic of New York is that every neighborhood feels like its own little city. Where you stay will shape your whole experience.
Greenwich Village: A lively, artistic hub—perfect if you’re young, social, and don’t mind late-night jazz clubs around the corner.
Harlem: Affordable compared to downtown and rich with culture. A friend of mine rented a room in a Harlem brownstone for three months and loved the co-living vibe.
Soho: Ideal if you like boutique shopping and a polished, upscale environment (just be ready for boutique prices too).
Brooklyn: Williamsburg and DUMBO offer a more relaxed, creative scene. Many remote workers I know ended up here, happy to trade skyscrapers for waterfront strolls and craft coffee shops.
When you’re staying long-term, convenience matters. Pick a neighborhood where you feel safe, connected to public transport, and close enough to the lifestyle you want.
Work & Remote Setup: Stay Connected and Secure
Not everyone who spends a few months in New York is tied to an office. Some are digital nomads, others take advantage of hybrid roles. The city is packed with coworking spaces like WeWork and Indie offices, but setting up a functional home base is equally important.
One friend who freelanced in Brooklyn swore by her ergonomic chair and dual-monitor setup—essentials for staying productive in a cramped apartment. And if you’re sharing Wi-Fi in a sublet or co-living situation, don’t overlook security. A VPN Chrome extension is an absolute must to protect both work data and personal browsing. It’s one of those small details that saves huge headaches.
Networking & Social Life: Plug Into the City
New York isn’t a place where you sit on the sidelines. Whether you’re here for a few months or a few years, getting involved is key.
A friend of mine who came for a three-month law internship joined a local running club in Central Park and ended up with a whole new social circle. Another signed up for improv classes in the East Village and still keeps in touch with her troupe years later. There are also professional meetups happening constantly, from tech mixers in Flatiron to finance happy hours downtown. There are plenty of ways to connect with people in NYC.
The city thrives on connection, and the more you dive in, the more at home you’ll feel—even if it’s temporary.
Watch this video to get a glimpse of social life in NYC:
FAQs: What to Consider When Moving to New York for Work or Long-Term Travel
1. Is it better to sublet or sign a short-term lease?
Most long-term travelers prefer sublets, since you can find furnished spaces and avoid long contracts. Websites like StreetEasy and Facebook groups are great starting points.
2. How much should I budget monthly?
Plan for at least $3,500–$4,000 per month for basic living (rent, food, transport). More if you plan on going out frequently or staying in trendier neighborhoods.
3. Do I need a car in New York?
Absolutely not. The subway, buses, bikes, and walking will get you everywhere faster than driving.
4. How do I make friends in the city?
Join clubs, take classes, or dive into Meetup groups. From salsa dancing in Queens to coding nights in Brooklyn, there’s a niche for everyone.
5. Is New York safe for solo travelers staying long-term?
Yes, as long as you practice the same common-sense precautions you would in any big city: stick to well-lit areas at night, know your neighborhood, and keep an eye on belongings in crowded places.
Final Thoughts
Spending a few months in New York is like trying to drink from a fire hydrant—you can’t possibly take it all in, but you’ll remember the energy forever. It’s chaotic, inspiring, and at times exhausting, but those who’ve lived it (even temporarily) say it changes the way you see the world.
If you’re considering a long-term stay, plan smartly, stay open to adventure, and embrace the beautiful madness that is New York City.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram