True Cost of Renting in The Bronx, NYC

The Bronx offers the lowest median rents of NYC's five boroughs while maintaining full subway access to Manhattan jobs. Riverdale in the northwest is a leafy neighborhood with views of the Hudson, while the South Bronx is experiencing genuine investment and gentrification pressure. Con Edison serves the entire borough, and the 1/2/4/5/6/B/D subway lines provide solid coverage.

Neighborhoods & Average Rents

Riverdale

Studio:
$1,500/mo
1 Bed:
$1,900/mo
2 Bed:
$2,700/mo

Affluent northern neighborhood overlooking the Hudson River; mix of large cooperative buildings and apartment complexes. 1 train to Midtown in 35–45 minutes. Car ownership common; street parking easier than southern Bronx. Con Edison electric.

Fordham / Belmont

Studio:
$1,200/mo
1 Bed:
$1,600/mo
2 Bed:
$2,200/mo

Central Bronx near Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo; primarily Latino community with strong small business culture. D/4 subway access. Most affordable NYC rents near transit. Older building stock — budget for higher Con Edison bills in summer.

Mott Haven / South Bronx

Studio:
$1,400/mo
1 Bed:
$1,800/mo
2 Bed:
$2,500/mo

Rapidly gentrifying southernmost Bronx neighborhood; new construction mixed with older buildings. 6 train to Manhattan in 15–20 minutes — the best transit value in the borough. Art galleries and new restaurants signal continued investment. Renters insurance recommended.

Utility Providers

Electric
Con Edison (Consolidated Edison)
Water
NYC Department of Environmental Protection (typically landlord-included)
Internet
Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Optimum

Commute & Transportation

The Bronx has the most subway lines of any outer borough relative to its size. The 4/5/6 IRT Lexington Avenue express runs through the heart of the Bronx with direct service to Grand Central in 20–25 minutes from Mott Haven. The D/B trains cross the Bronx from east to west and connect to Midtown via the D Express. Metro-North (Harlem and New Haven lines) serves the Bronx with express service to Grand Central. Major employers in the Bronx: Montefiore Medical Center (25,000 employees), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, and New York Presbyterian. Yankee Stadium drives local commercial activity around the 161st Street station.

Rental Market Overview

The Bronx offers NYC's lowest rents with genuine subway access — a 1BR in Mott Haven with a 20-minute subway commute to Midtown is an extraordinary value proposition by NYC standards. The tradeoff is that South Bronx gentrification has accelerated since 2018, compressing the affordability window. Rent stabilization covers a significant portion of Bronx apartments — check DHCR records. Con Edison serves the borough at standard NYC rates. Broker fees are less common than in Manhattan. Many older buildings are HDFC cooperatives or subsidized housing — income limits may apply for some units. Building age means higher winter heating bills in non-upgraded units.

Data last updated: 2026-04

Compare Apartments in The Bronx

Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.

Renting in The Bronx: Common Questions

What is the average rent in The Bronx?
One-bedroom apartments in The Bronx range from $1,600/month in Fordham / Belmont to $1,900/month in Riverdale. Two-bedroom units range from $2,200 to $2,700/month. These are base rents — add fees, utilities, and amenity costs to get the true all-in monthly cost.
What utilities do I need to set up in The Bronx?
In The Bronx, electricity is provided by Con Edison (Consolidated Edison), water by NYC Department of Environmental Protection (typically landlord-included), and common internet providers include Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Optimum. Check whether your lease includes water or trash — some buildings bundle these into rent while others charge separately. Always ask the leasing office for the average monthly utility bill before signing.
What neighborhoods are affordable in The Bronx?
Fordham / Belmont is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in The Bronx, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,600/month. Central Bronx near Fordham University and the Bronx Zoo; primarily Latino community with strong small business culture. D/4 subway access. Most affordable NYC rents near transit. Older building stock — budget for higher Con Edison bills in summer. Remember to factor in commute costs and parking fees when comparing neighborhoods — a cheaper base rent farther from work may cost more overall.
Is The Bronx expensive to rent in?
The Bronx offers NYC's lowest rents with genuine subway access — a 1BR in Mott Haven with a 20-minute subway commute to Midtown is an extraordinary value proposition by NYC standards. The tradeoff is that South Bronx gentrification has accelerated since 2018, compressing the affordability window. Use RentCompare to calculate the true all-in cost for any apartment in The Bronx — base rent alone does not tell the full story.

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