Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Long Island City vs Manhattan

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Queens|Manhattan

Long Island City

Queens

Manhattan

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Manhattan has the lower median sale price at $1.1M vs $1.2M in Long Island City.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Manhattan offers a stronger rent-to-price ratio based on current market data.

Commuters have more transit options in Long Island City, which is served by 7 subway lines compared to 5 in Manhattan.

Median Sale Price
$1.2M
$1.1M
Median Rent
$5K
$5K
Active Listings
252
7987
Avg Days on Market
104.5 days
64 days
YoY Price Change
+38.6%
+2.7%
Monthly Sales Volume
8
758

Detailed Comparison

MetricLong Island CityManhattan
Median Sale Price$1,237,500$1,129,900
Median Condo Price$1,124,830$1,550,000
Median Co-op PriceN/A$865,000
Median Rent$4,500$4,750
Active Listings2527987
Rental Inventory94213608
Days on Market104.564
Price Cut Share7.5%11.7%
Monthly Sales Volume8758
YoY Price Change+38.6%+2.7%
YoY Rent Change+3.4%+7.5%
YoY Inventory Change+56.5%-0.5%
Subway Lines7 E G M N R W1 2 3 B C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Long Island City moved +38.6% over the past year, compared to +2.7% in Manhattan. The +38.6% gain in Long Island City reflects stronger buyer demand relative to available inventory in that market.

Neighborhood Profiles

Long Island City

Long Island City sits directly across the East River from Midtown Manhattan, reachable in one stop on the 7 train. LIC has added more than 12,000 residential units since 2015, transforming former industrial blocks into a corridor of glass-tower condos, converted loft co-ops, and rental high-rises along the waterfront. Gantry Plaza State Park, MoMA PS1, and the Hunters Point Library anchor the neighborhood’s cultural identity. Median condo prices run roughly 30-40% below comparable Manhattan waterfront units, drawing both first-time buyers and investors looking for appreciation in one of the city’s highest-growth zip codes.

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Manhattan

Manhattan is the most densely built borough in New York City, stretching 13 miles from Battery Park to Inwood and encompassing over 70 distinct neighborhoods. The housing stock ranges from prewar co-ops on the Upper East Side to luxury glass-tower condominiums in Hudson Yards, from cast-iron loft conversions in SoHo to brownstone townhouses in Harlem. Fourteen subway lines, the PATH train, and multiple ferry routes provide extensive transit coverage.

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Transit Access

Long Island City

7EGMNRW

Hunters Point Av (7) — 0.2 mi

Court Sq (7 E G M) — 0.2 mi

Long Island City (E G M R) — 0.6 mi

Queensboro Plaza (7 N W) — 0.6 mi

Manhattan

123BC

81 St-Museum of Natural History (B C) — 0.1 mi

86 St (1 B C) — 0.2 mi

79 St (1) — 0.5 mi

72 St (1 2 3 B C) — 0.5 mi

96 St (1 2 3 B C) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Long Island City for sale

View all Long Island City listings

Manhattan for sale

View all Manhattan listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Long Island City cheaper than Manhattan?
Manhattan is more affordable, with a median sale price of $1,129,900 vs $1,237,500 in Long Island City. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Long Island City or Manhattan?
Long Island City has access to 7 subway lines and Manhattan has 5, making Long Island City the stronger option for transit access. Manhattan has 5 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Long Island City or Manhattan?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Long Island City and Manhattan both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Long Island City or Manhattan?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Long Island City and Manhattan gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

More Comparisons

Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

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