If you’re relocating to New York City in 2026 and doing the math on where to actually live, Staten Island deserves a serious look. It’s the borough that offers the most square footage per dollar, the only one with a FREE ferry to Manhattan, and a quieter, more suburban lifestyle that many transplants quickly fall in love with. This is the full 2026 relocation guide — what it costs, how the commute works, where to live, how to buy, and who to call when you’re ready.
Why People Are Moving to Staten Island in 2026
Staten Island’s population has climbed steadily over the past decade as families and remote workers have left Manhattan and Brooklyn looking for more space. The median home price sits around $740,000 in 2026 — roughly $300,000 less than Brooklyn and less than half of Manhattan’s median. You can buy a move-in-ready 3-bedroom semi-attached home with a finished basement, a driveway, and a yard for what a one-bedroom condo costs across the Verrazzano Bridge.
Beyond affordability, the borough has quietly become one of the most livable parts of NYC. Low crime, top-rated public schools, a growing restaurant scene, beaches, parks, and a genuine neighborhood culture give Staten Island a feel that’s hard to replicate elsewhere in the city.
The Real Cost of Living on Staten Island
Living costs here run about 30% above the national average and 11% above the New York State average — but 20-30% below Manhattan and Brooklyn. A single person should budget roughly $3,200-$3,500 per month for a comfortable lifestyle; a family of four around $7,000-$7,200 per month.
Here’s the 2026 breakdown:
- Median home price: ~$740,000
- Studio rent: $1,400-$1,600/month
- 1BR rent: $1,700-$2,000/month
- 2BR rent: $2,100-$2,500/month
- Property tax: ~1.0-1.4% annually (roughly $7,400-$10,360 on a $740K home)
- Groceries for a family of 4: ~$1,387/month
- Energy/transport/health: ~$2,041/month for a household
For a deeper breakdown, see my complete 2026 Cost of Living guide.
The Commute: Ferry, Bridge, and SIR
Staten Island doesn’t have subway service, which initially scares some Manhattan transplants — but the commuting options are better than people expect. The Staten Island Ferry runs 24/7 and is completely free. St. George to Whitehall takes about 25 minutes with Statue of Liberty views on every trip. Connect to the 1, R, 4/5, or W trains on the Manhattan side.
The Staten Island Railway (SIR) runs the length of the East Shore from Tottenville to St. George — free within the borough, fare-paid to the ferry. Most popular neighborhoods are 15-30 minutes from St. George by SIR. Door-to-desk commute times to Midtown or the Financial District range from 45-75 minutes depending on where you live.
For drivers, the Verrazzano Bridge into Brooklyn is a 10-minute ride outside rush hour. Manhattan via the Goethals, Outerbridge, or Bayonne Bridges + NJ Turnpike + Lincoln or Holland tunnel is doable but rough in peak traffic.
Best Neighborhoods for Transplants
Families & Schools
Great Kills, Annadale, Eltingville, Huguenot: Top-rated schools (PS 16, IS 24, Tottenville HS zone), quiet tree-lined streets, strong Italian-American community character. Median prices $600K-$750K. See my Great Kills neighborhood guide.
Young Professionals & Ferry Commuters
St. George, Stapleton, New Brighton: Walkable, close to the ferry terminal, Empire Outlets shopping, Minor League ballpark. Condos and co-ops from $350K-$600K. The North Shore has been revitalizing rapidly.
Buyers Looking for Value & Space
Westerleigh, New Springville, Bulls Head: Mid-Island, larger lots, easier parking, closer to shopping at the Mall. $550K-$750K range buys a lot of house.
Luxury & Waterfront
Todt Hill, Grymes Hill, South Beach: Million-dollar-plus homes with views. Todt Hill is the highest natural point on the Eastern Seaboard south of Maine.
How to Buy a Home Here from Out of State
Relocating buyers usually have three challenges: understanding the local market, navigating NYC’s transaction quirks (attorney-driven closings, board approvals for co-ops, high closing costs), and timing the move so you’re not paying double housing. Here’s the playbook:
- Get pre-approved first. NYC is competitive and sellers won’t take offers seriously without one. Use my Home Affordability Calculator to run the numbers on what you can realistically afford.
- Budget for closing costs. NYC buyer closing costs run 2-4% of purchase price — more if you’re financing, more still if it’s a co-op. My NYC Closing Cost Calculator breaks it down line by line.
- Do a scouting trip. Spend a weekend touring neighborhoods before you tour homes. The “feel” of Great Kills vs. St. George vs. Todt Hill is completely different and you won’t know what fits until you’re physically there.
- Check grant eligibility. If this is your first home, you could qualify for up to $100,000 in down payment assistance through HomeFirst or other NYC programs. The First-Time Buyer Grant Calculator screens you in 60 seconds.
- Hire a Staten Island specialist. Out-of-borough agents miss the nuances — school zoning, flood zones, co-op vs. condo dynamics, which streets get morning ferry traffic. That’s where I come in.
What Makes Staten Island Different
Staten Island has a strong sense of place. Block parties still happen. Italian delis still slice prosciutto by hand. Kids ride bikes to school. The Greenbelt gives you 2,800 acres of forest inside the city limits. The beaches on the South Shore are the cleanest in the five boroughs. People know their neighbors. It’s NYC — but it’s also not.
That’s the pitch, and it’s why so many Brooklyn and Manhattan families are quietly making the move in 2026.
Ready to Make the Move?
If you’re relocating to Staten Island — whether you’re coming from another borough, another state, or another country — I’d love to help you find the right neighborhood and the right home. I grew up here, I work here, and I know which streets sound good on paper but aren’t actually a great fit for a young family, and which under-the-radar blocks punch above their price tag.
Book a relocation consultation →
Or call/text me directly at (347) 446-2573. Welcome to Staten Island.
