Top 10 Most Expensive and Cheapest Neighborhoods to Rent in Queens 2025

Queens is the second most populated borough out of the five in New York City, right behind Manhattan, having over 2.2 million residents.

While not carrying the same hip cache that Brooklyn has, Queens is a top choice for many of the city's residents.

Not only are the areas close to Manhattan a top choice for renters (especially for reasonable prices), but Queens offers a lot of choices for anyone looking to own a home in a safe and diverse community.

There's a neighborhood for every taste.

However, it is essential to note that although many neighborhoods have rental apartments and houses, Queens is also dominated by even more areas where the real estate market is mainly homeownership.

Queens is pretty affordable to buy a home compared to most of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The Most Expensive Queens Neighborhoods

Generally, Queens is considered a relatively affordable borough with many family-friendly neighborhoods.

However, the areas generally near Manhattan tend to be pricier, and you may be surprised at how high the rent can go.

5. Ditmars Steinway

Ditmars Steinway, situated in the northwestern part of Queens, New York City, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities.

Nestled within its tree-lined streets are well-preserved, century-old homes alongside new residential developments, creating a diverse architectural landscape.

Residents are drawn to its lively cultural scene, diverse dining options, and proximity to the sprawling Astoria Park. Furthermore, its excellent public transportation connections, including the N and W subway lines, make it a convenient choice for those seeking an authentic and vibrant neighborhood experience in the heart of Queens.

4. Astoria

Astoria has much to offer the New Yorker looking for relatively affordable housing but not sacrificing energy, an easy commute, neighborhood culture, and R and R.

Astoria is home to many restaurants and businesses, including the Noguchi Museum, the Museum of the Moving Image, and Astoria Park.

While rents have increased in this area since the 90s, they have been overshadowed by the prices and real estate development in Long Island City and various Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Although on our top five most expensive list, Astoria remains a reasonably affordable area compared to neighborhoods in Brooklyn and much of Manhattan.

Prices remained relatively stable in this area.

3. Bay Terrace

Bay Terrace, a picturesque subset neighborhood of Bayside, Queens, boasts a unique blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. It appeals to residents with its stunning waterfront views, well-maintained parks, and a serene ambiance, making it a haven for families and professionals seeking an escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Popular for its proximity to the Clearview Golf Course and excellent schools, it offers a peaceful retreat while maintaining easy access to shopping centers and transportation options. Bay Terrace's harmonious mix of nature, community, and amenities makes it a sought-after gem in Queens.

2. Flushing

Flushing is one of the most recognizable names of Queens. It's best known for its diverse population and its own sizable Chinatown.

It's also home to Queens College's campus and has its downtown area.

Very few in New York City haven't heard of Main Street, Flushing, one of the busiest streets in Queens, and the last stop on the seven train, where droves of commuters empty out of the train.

In Flushing, you'll find some of the city's best Asian restaurants, with cuisines from various regions.What makes it unique is its bustling Asian community, reflected in the numerous authentic eateries and markets that draw food enthusiasts from all over. Its appeal lies in the plethora of cultural events, shopping opportunities, and excellent educational institutions.

Flushing's popularity continues to grow as it offers a dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, making it an attractive choice for those who appreciate diversity and a thriving urban atmosphere.

1. Long Island City

In the late 90s and early 2000s, when more and more people started moving into industrial areas of the five boroughs like DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Red Hook, Long Island City became Queen's hottest spot to be.

Today, a portion of the neighborhood remains industrial, but development has soared in the area in the last 20 years.

Queens got its first residential skyscrapers when real estate developers realized they had a potential goldmine with LIC. LIC is alive with life, with many new businesses, restaurants, and a waterfront park area.

All the new luxury developments and large companies moving to Long Island City mean asking rent prices are much steeper than the rest of the borough.

Much like some of the most expensive neighborhoods in Brooklyn, LIC held onto the top spot and got pricier during the year.

Honorable Mentions for Expensive Neighborhoods in Queens

Some other notably pricier neighborhoods of Queens include Jamaica Estates, Murray Hill, Bayside, and Corona. Jamaica Estates, Murray Hill, Bayside, and Corona, though not the most expensive in Queens, still have relatively higher rental prices due to their unique qualities.

These neighborhoods offer a mix of suburban comfort and city convenience, with good schools, cultural attractions, and accessible public transportation. Their rental rates are influenced by their desirability within Queens, as they cater to residents looking for a suburban-urban blend, even though they are not as close to Manhattan as some other areas.

These neighborhoods are popular for their balance of amenities and peaceful living in the Queens borough.

The Cheapest Neighborhoods in Queens

5. Jackson Heights

Like many Queens neighborhoods, Jackson Heights is a great place to go if you want to experience authentic ethnic cuisine.

It's home to some of the city's best Indian, Latin, and Asian restaurants. Groceries and restaurants reflect the diversity of this neighborhood.

It neighbors the more expensive Elmhurst, but its lower rental prices might reflect that commuting from Jackson Heights is harder.

It's also one of the rare neighborhoods that's devoid of any significant parks and lacks green space, in general.

4. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens, Queens, is a distinctive neighborhood celebrated for its serene atmosphere and rich history. What makes it truly special is its affordability, largely attributed to its distance from Manhattan and limited commercial development.

The neighborhood's lower rental prices are also influenced by a lower demand compared to other NYC areas, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a more budget-friendly living arrangement without compromising on quality of life. Kew Gardens offers a peaceful retreat while remaining an affordable gem within the city's bustling landscape.

3. Queens Village

Queens Village, located in Queens, New York, stands out for its unique blend of suburban tranquility and affordability. This neighborhood offers a peaceful retreat within the bustling city, appealing to families and budget-conscious residents.

Rental prices remain low primarily due to its distance from Manhattan and limited commercial development, resulting in less demand compared to more central neighborhoods.

Queens Village provides an affordable living option without sacrificing quality of life, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability and suburban charm in New York City.

2. Elmhurst

Elmhurst, Queens, offers a unique blend of cultural diversity and affordability. Its distinct character is defined by a vibrant mix of ethnic communities, reflected in its diverse cuisine and shops.

Despite its close proximity to Manhattan, Elmhurst maintains relatively low rental prices due to its lesser-known status compared to neighboring areas like Astoria or Long Island City.

This affordability, combined with excellent transportation links and access to a wide range of amenities, makes Elmhurst an appealing choice for those seeking a budget-friendly yet culturally rich urban living experience.

1. Glen Oaks

Nestled in the heart of Queens, Glen Oaks is a hidden gem celebrated for its affordability and tight-knit community. It exudes a distinct charm, offering residents a peaceful suburban haven amidst the urban jungle.

Glen Oaks boasts affordable rental prices, thanks in part to its location on the outskirts of the city and limited commercial expansion, which keeps housing demand in check.

With excellent schools and ample green spaces, Glen Oaks attracts those seeking an authentic, family-friendly neighborhood experience within the diverse tapestry of Queens.

Honorable Mentions of Inexpensive Neighborhoods in Queens

There are potentially many more neighborhoods in Queens where you can land a steal regarding rental prices. Maspeth, Jamaica, Auburndale. Maspeth, Jamaica, and Auburndale, while not the most affordable in Queens, offer lower rental prices due to distinct factors.

These neighborhoods are farther from Manhattan and major business districts, resulting in reduced demand for housing. Their residential character and fewer trendy amenities contribute to their budget-friendly appeal.

These areas are ideal for those seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle in Queens without the premium price tag. While not the cheapest, Maspeth, Jamaica, and Auburndale provide a cost-effective living option within the borough.

Try the PropertyNest rent affordability calculator and find out what salary you should make to rent in your desired Queens neighborhood.

Our Methodology

Median rent was aggregated directly from PropertyNest's proprietary data from listings directly advertised or syndicated to the site. The data was collected over one calendar year to reflect seasonal changes.

Some neighborhoods may have been excluded due to the scarcity of rental data. Rent prices are based on advertised asking rent prices and may not accurately reflect the final rent on signed leases.