Plan A The Pro Leagues They saw you coming long before you got there - the commercial apartment search firms. If you use them, you need to be ready to cut a deal on the spot, or not. Cash, Good credit, Good References or no deal. Expect to pay a finder's fee equal to 1 months rent [or more] You can find a great apartment this way with a great bank account. Plan B The Bookstore Neighborhood Find a neighborhood you like preferably NOT in Manhattan. Google search on independent bookstores and find the nearest MTA subway stop The distance between the subway stop and the bookstore should be about 4-5 blocks Take the subway to the stop and walk around then go to the bookstore. Look around 1/2 way between in bodegas and laundry shops for bulletin boards Then visit the book store. Example: F Train, Smith Street Stop, Court Books, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, Zak or Henry Zook Ask for the owner. Tell them you are looking for a studio apartment what's the going rate around here? Know any good ones available. Go see it. It is probably a small studio. If you like the apartment, like the owner, like the neighborhood, go for it. Don't forget to buy a book at the bookstore. If you visit Henry or Zak say hello from a guy in Costa Rica