Shared Living with Nuns Grows Popular Amid Rising NYC Rent

As rent prices in New York City continue to surge, more people are considering a unique living situation—sharing homes with nuns. With average rents climbing nearly $150 in 2026, the monthly costs now hover around $3,700 as of June.

Experts suggest that rents might escalate to $4,000 by the end of August. This situation is a stark contrast to the past few years when renting a studio or a two-bedroom apartment could cost between $2,000 and $2,600.

The Nunnery Alternative

The steep rise in rental prices is pushing some New Yorkers to explore residences managed by nuns. These living spaces not only come at a significantly lower price but also have stricter guidelines for tenants. This stricter environment is quite different from the more relaxed living arrangements many expect in the city. For example, during the recent NBA Finals, the city was buzzing with activity.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted several nun-run residences where rents are about a third of the average NYC apartment price. For instance, St. Agnes Residences on the Upper West Side charges around $950, while Centro Maria in the Bronx asks for about $800. St. Mary’s Residence on E 72nd Street costs roughly $1,200 a month.

A resident named Katie shared her experience of living at Sacred Heart Residences in Chelsea, where she paid $1,650. “Nuns are amazing,” she remarked, albeit with a hint of jest, adding, “They’re horrifying.”

Another resident, Hanna, noted that the smallest room at Meno House in Gramercy Park is available for $580 a month. “It was the cheapest place I could find in Manhattan,” she commented.

But nuns offer more than just economical housing.

Camaraderie and Routine

At Centro Maria, five nuns live alongside 21 tenants in a four-story building. One of the perks? A homemade breakfast prepared by the nuns, featuring pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, and more.

Beyond meals, the nuns also organize events for residents—think socials and even karaoke nights in the cafeteria. However, residents need to adjust to certain rules for stability amidst the chaos of city life. Some nunneries enforce curfews that range from 11 p.m. to midnight, and women-only housing prohibits men from entering or leaving the bedrooms and restricts alcohol.

“I love living with the girls. They keep me young,” Sister Rita shared. That said, she also emphasized their strict nature, which they don’t shy away from discussing.

Strict Oversight

One residence features a sign in the lobby indicating who is in and who is out. “I don’t sleep unless I know where everyone is,” Sister Maria explained. If a resident is late, she might wait up, thinking, “I’m going to kill her tomorrow,” only to be relieved when the door finally opens.

Sister Maria also conducts unexpected room inspections every two weeks. “I don’t know the date, but I’m definitely going,” she jokingly stated.

Meanwhile, Sister Rita keeps a close eye on any boyfriends visiting the residence; if she disapproves, she’s straightforward about it with the girls.