The lights, the glamour, the food - who doesn’t love traveling to NYC right? Well, if you ask someone who’s on a budget, this city may not be their first choice. New York is expensive with a capital E. And, the closer you get to all the action, the wider you’ll need to open your wallet. In the Big Apple, a plate of spaghetti and meatballs can run you upwards of $20. And, if you want to splurge on a cocktail, consider $12 a steal. Maybe it’s called the City That Never Sleeps because everyone is too busy working just to afford a subway ticket. The prices are as sky high as the skyscrapers, so traveling to NYC on a budget can be tricky. But, before all of you New York lovers start rolling your eyes, it’s important to say that not everywhere in the city is expensive.

Like anywhere, you can use your sense of thrift to score deals, find cheap eats, and best of all, cheap accommodations. That’s right, even NYC has options for travelers who don’t want to spend their entire budget on one nights’ hotel stay. If you look in the right places, you can score a stay in NYC for under $90. Seem crazy? Don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you so you can focus on which Broadway show to see. After scanning hotels, AirBnBs, hostels, and Bed & Breakfasts, we came up with a list of 20 cheap cheap-ish places to stay. Now, you’re dreams of visiting NYC can become a reality.

19 World Hotel

Located on the Lower East Side, this hotel can be found in Chinatown. It’s not the most glamorous of places, but gives you a home base in a culturally rich and interesting part of the city. The hotel is in walking distance of Little Italy so you’ll be close to great food. And, it’s in walking distance of the subway station so you can explore. You’ll be a 15 minute subway ride from Times Square and 20 minutes from Central Park. All rooms have WIFI, air conditioning, and heating. The desk is open 24-hours, and there are free toiletries in the bathroom. The rooms are incredibly basic, so don’t choose this place if you’re looking to live the high life. However, they have what you need, like a mini fridge and microwave. Sure, it’s not much to look at, but this hotel has been rated clean and tidy by guests.

18 Bowery Grand Hotel

Located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, this hotel is just a short walk to Little Italy and Chinatown. It’s more like a hostel than a hotel, with very tiny and basic rooms. The bathrooms are shared amongst hotel guests, but everyone is offered their own toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap. The B and D trains can be reached in just a short walk, so you’ll have access to all of the city’s best attractions. There’s a 24-hour desk, heating, air conditioning, and WIFI throughout the building. It’s location ensures that each guest will get up close and personal to both the Chinese and Italian culture that is present in Manhattan. Don’t be put off by its looks, this hotel is known to be clean and have a rustic charm.

17 Be Local Chinatown

This hostel is located in Chinatown in Manhattan. It’s just 2,300 feet from the Brooklyn Bridge, and is just a 20-minute walk from top museums and attractions. The rooms are equipped with a TV, free WIFI, and a shared bathroom. The dorms range from ten beds to six, and there are also family rooms as an option. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, heating, and lockers. Guests are welcomed to enjoy the shared lounge, and spend some time cooking in the kitchen. There is a shared refrigerator, stove top, and cooking utensils, helping you save even more money by not eating out.

16 Woodhaven Hostel

This hostel is located in the Woodhaven neighborhood of Queens. It only has two rooms so it books up fast. Guests have access to WIFI, an airport drop off service, kitchen, common area, and lockers. The rooms are dorm-style offering bunk beds. Guests can hang on the terrace or cook themselves a meal in the shared kitchen. Guests traveling with a car will find this hostel more convenient as many of the main subway lines are about a 13 minute drive. This hostel doesn’t have the best location, but it’s cheap and can get you closer to the city for less.

15 JFK Guest House

This no-frills B&B is located in the Jamaica neighborhood of NYC. There are seven guest rooms, air conditioning, laundry, a free continental breakfast, and WIFI. Guests have access to free toiletries, cable TV, and extra rollaway beds. The rooms are simple but they are clean, and have tasteful bedding. There’s a shared kitchen, and a small yard for spending time outside. Some would say that it’s a cozy retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The main attractions are a bit far, so this is best for someone who has a car or is willing to use the subway system to get around.

14 Neptune Hotel

Located in Brooklyn, this hotel gives you access to one of NYC’s trendiest areas. There are private rooms and shared bathroom options. There is a 24-hour front desk, free WIFI, air conditioning, and a common room with coffee and tea. The subway can be used to get around and reach most of Brooklyn’s top attractions. Rooms are small, cozy, and known to be quite clean. The hotel is simple, but the bedding and artwork give it some charm. There’s a small common room for guests who want to relax and mingle with others outside of their room.

13 The Local

Located in Queens, this hostel is like staying with friends who know everything about New York City. The dorm rooms have en-suite bathrooms, reading lights, luxurious towels and linens, and a locked storage space. There’s a computer lounge so guests can book future travel or email their family back home. And, there is a terrace on the roof so visitors can take in the sunset and the skyline. The hostel also has an event space where visitors can see movies, view artwork, and enjoy other festivities that the staff puts on. This hostel also has a bar so guests can have coffee, a cocktail, or some gourmet snacks. Plus, the incredible staff loves to help guests book events, find the best restaurants, and uncover hidden gems.

12 HI NYC Hostel

HI stands for Hostelling International, and these accommodations can be found all over the world. They are held to high standards, so you can rest assured that your stay will be comfortable. Guests will enjoy the welcoming and social atmosphere, and have plenty of opportunity to mingle with other guests. It’s located in an historic building that looks similar to a castle, and is just moments away from Central Park and Times Square. This space is packed with amenities like a common room, a 36-burner kitchen, and an outdoor patio. This hostel is a great place to stay if you want help booking tours or finding new things to do in NYC.

11 Chelsea International Hostel

Located in Chelsea, this hostel is in the heart of Manhattan. It’s one of the largest independent hostels in the city, and is in walking distance to some of NYC’s most popular attractions. Rooms can sleep one to four guests in either single or double beds. They don’t have bunk beds in their dorm rooms, but they do offer private rooms. There are shared bathrooms, two kitchens, and outdoor courtyard, a lounge, and multiple common areas. Guests can enjoy a free continental breakfast, free WIFI, lockers, and free pizza nights on Wednesdays. This is a great hostel to meet other travelers too!

10 International Student Center

This youth hostel is located in Manhattan, in the beautiful neighborhood of the Upper West Side. Guests must be between the ages of 18 and 35 to stay here. There are a total of 40 beds in a mix of co-ed and single sex rooms. Every Tuesday evening the hostel hosts a free pizza, movies, and games night. Guests will have access to free WIFI, a full kitchen, a lounge, and lockers. There is no curfew, so you can stay out and enjoy the NYC nightlife as late (or early) as you want. The hostel is located in an old brownstone building, making a charming place to stay when you visit the city.

9 Q4 Hotel

This hotel/hostel has just been fully renovated so guests can enjoy a new, fresh atmosphere. The building is three stories, has a rooftop terrace, and a full basement. Visitors can choose between a private room, a single sex dorm, or a mixed dorm room. The hostel is located in Queens, one of New York’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Guests will have access to free WIFI, lockers, air conditioning, common rooms, a community kitchen, and lounges. There is no curfew, so you can stay out at the clubs as late as you want.

8 Jazz on Columbus Circle

This hostel is in a prime spot if you want to spend time visiting Central Park. It’s close to many of the major subway lines so you’ll have access to all of the best attractions. The building has free WIFI and a lounge on every floor. All rooms have shelves for storage, hair dryers, reading lamps, and coffee machines. All rooms have private, luxurious bathrooms en-suite too. Select rooms have a private terrace, and private rooms come with a TV. According to reviews, this hostel is in a great location, is clean, and has a friendly staff.

7 Jazz on The Park Youth Hostel

Opened in 1998, this is the flagship hostel for the Jazz Hostels chain. This branch is located in the hip neighborhood of the Upper West Side. It borders the northwestern side of Central Park, and is close to subway lines B and C. This hostel prides itself on being a safe and welcoming environment for budget travelers around the world. They want you to experience all that NYC has to offer, and has a staff dedicated to helping. They’re best known for their funky coffee bar, BBQ parties, and summer pub crawls. Enjoy the free WIFI throughout the building and the close proximity to many of the city’s top attractions.

6 Giorgio Hotel

This hotel likes to consider itself a home away from home. It’s contemporary, cozy, and chic. There is a soda and juice bar on site and it is surrounded by local bars and restaurants. Guests staying here will have direct access to some of the trendiest hangouts in Queens. This is a popular spot for backpackers, youth travelers, and students who want to explore while keeping a comfortable home base. There is no curfew and a 24-hour reception so you can stay out as late or as early as you’d like.

5 NY Moore Hostel

Want to spend some time in Brooklyn? This hostel is the place. It’s located in East Williamsburg, one of the most up-and-coming neighborhoods in BK. The surroundings are vibrant, with plenty of trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Guests will have access to art galleries, cafes, and music venues too. The hostel is located in a loft and features street art from artists all over the world. Rooms have private bathrooms, free WIFI, central heat, and air conditioning units. Guests will have access to the coffee lounge, lockers, the courtyard, and free movie nights. This is a top choice for travelers who want comfort and fun all under one roof.

4 Broadway Hotel n Hostel

This spot is the number one boutique hostel in New York City. It can be found in the trendy Upper West Side, fitting in perfectly with its chic design. All rooms are vibrant, contemporary in design, and comfortable. There is a common area for guests to get to know each other before wandering out around the city. Guests can choose from dorms or private rooms, all with plush bedding and daily linen changes. The gourmet kitchen has exposed brick walls, adding to its vintage charm. Enjoy the lounge, plasma TV, free WIFI, a game system, and the elegant library with an intimate fireplace.

3 Canal Loft Hotel

Located in the Lower East Side, the Canal Loft Hotel is in one of Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods. This is a prime location for shopping, drinking, dining out, and seeing some of the city’s best attractions. Guests can easily get to Little Italy, Chinatown, and Greenwich Village. There are supermarkets, art galleries, and museums close by as well. Guests will have access to a cozy lounge, a soda and juice bar on site, and a staff that is multilingual. This is a great spot for youth travelers, students, and anyone who wants to get a taste of the real New York City.

2 Blue Moon Hotel

Stay in Manhattan’s trendiest neighborhoods, the Lower East Side. Guests here will have access to some to some of the city’s hottest restaurants, bars, and clubs. It’s a prime spot for shopping, or just watching the fashionable New Yorkers stroll by. This location is in walking distance to famous, NYC attractions, and visitors here have said that they could truly experience the real New York. The hotel is only 20 minutes from Laguardia airport, and close to metro lines F, M, J, and Z. The accommodations here feature air conditioning, heating, private bathrooms with deep tubs and showers, and balconies.

1 Greenpoint YMCA

Guests here can stay in Greenpoint, a residential area of Brooklyn. It’s charming, relatively quiet, and close to Brooklyn's hottest hangouts. It will take you about 20 minutes to reach midtown Manhattan’s top attractions, and is only a short metro ride away from the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, and Brooklyn Academy of Music. The hostel has a fantastic view of NYC, which many guests can see from their rooms. Enjoy access to the indoor swimming pool, fitness center, sauna, and other amenities offered by the YMCA