Queens is the only New York City borough where new apartments have increased in size over the past decade, according to a RentCafe analysis. The typical new apartment in Queens now measures 732 square feet, up 16 square feet from a decade ago.
Queens' Apartment Size Growth
The RentCafe analysis tracks apartment sizes across the 100 largest U.S. cities. Queens’ growth of 16 square feet places the borough fifth nationally for the biggest gains in apartment size during the past decade. The increase also puts Queens ahead of the national average rise of 13 square feet, though it remains among the smaller markets in the country.
Comparison with Other NYC Boroughs
Brooklyn’s average new apartment size is 714 square feet, making it the fourth-smallest market in the U.S. and six square feet smaller than a decade ago. Manhattan averages 735 square feet, with little change since 2016. The trend in Brooklyn and Manhattan reflects a broader pattern where developers favour studios and one‑bedroom units to fit more units into high‑demand markets.
National Context
The national average new apartment size is 910 square feet, after all types gained space in 2025. Queens’ 732 square feet remains more than 175 square feet below the national average. The largest new apartments in the country are in Tallahassee, Florida, where the average size is 1,156 square feet.
RentCafe research analyst Veronica Grecu noted that a decline in average apartment size does not necessarily mean renters receive less value. She explained that developers in high‑demand markets often prioritise smaller apartments to meet demand from single‑person and smaller households, trading lower square footage for greater availability in historically tight markets.
