On Tuesday morning, the latest subway riders toting backpacks and coffee cups commuted past fresh piles of moving boxes on East 14th Street—an autumn ritual for many, but for a growing number of New Yorkers, those boxes signal something more precarious. According to a new Pew study released this week, New York City ranks among the top ten places nationwide where soaring housing costs are driving people into poverty.

The study, which analyzed census data from across the country, pinpoints neighborhoods where rent increases have outpaced wage growth, leaving low- and middle-income residents dangerously close to financial collapse. In Central Brooklyn and the South Bronx, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $2,350—a figure that has become unmanageable for families earning less than $50,000 a year.

Local advocates say the findings echo what they’re seeing on the ground. “Every week, we get dozens of calls from families facing eviction or skipping meals to pay rent,” says Rosa Martinez, director of a community center in Jackson Heights. Landlords, meanwhile, point to higher taxes and maintenance costs, arguing that they, too, are squeezed by the city’s real estate pressures.

Mayor Adams responded on Wednesday, promising to expedite affordable housing projects stalled by red tape and to expand rental assistance programs before winter sets in. But for tenants like Marcus Lee, a delivery driver who shares a two-bedroom in Sunset Park with his sister and nephew, help feels far off. “We’re one paycheck away from losing it all,” he says, glancing at a stack of overdue bills on his kitchen counter.

As the city gears up for another contentious budget season and the November elections loom, the question of housing affordability is set to dominate debates—from community board meetings in Queens to City Hall. For now, the moving boxes on the curb are a stark reminder: high rents aren’t just a headline—they’re a daily crisis for thousands of New Yorkers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are New York City rents pushing more residents toward poverty?

Rents in New York City are rising faster than wages, making it increasingly difficult for many residents to afford housing and pushing more people toward poverty.

What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Central Brooklyn and the South Bronx?

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Central Brooklyn and the South Bronx is about $2,350.

How are families earning less than $50,000 affected by rising rents in NYC?

Families earning less than $50,000 a year are struggling to afford rent in neighborhoods like Central Brooklyn and the South Bronx.

What actions has Mayor Adams promised to address the housing crisis?

Mayor Adams has promised to expedite affordable housing projects and expand rental assistance programs.

How are rising rents impacting New York City residents’ daily lives?

Many residents are facing eviction or skipping meals to pay rent, with some just one paycheck away from losing their homes.

Editorial Transparency. A first draft of this story was produced with AI-assisted writing tools, then reviewed for accuracy and tone by the named editor before publication. More on our process: Editorial Policy.