Moving to NYC (aren't we all?) - and have a few questions.?

So, as every person does at least once in their life, I'm moving to New York City.



Where is the cheapest area I can live. I'm moving there for temporary work, and am receiving an allowance (it's rather small though, $1000 - this in separate to what I make AT work).



I need to be able to travel around the city, so access to a train, subway, whatever you've got going up there would be awesome.



Also, I'd like a cheapish (I'm used to super cheap rent, but as close to 1 or 2 thousand a month as possible). (Can I live in Chinatown? I would love to live there).



I'd be totally down for sharing with roommates, just not down on living in scary slum areas lol.



Okay, so I'm basically asking, where is a good area to live that has transportation and some kind of unique NYC thing going on. I've never lived in a big city, so I'm pumped.Moving to NYC (aren't we all?) - and have a few questions.?
Unfortunately you will be priced out of anything in Manhattan. That includes Chinatown.



Perhaps try looking around Queens, there are cheaper parts and safe but one thing to bear in mind is that wherever you go, it isn't worth compromising safety for a cheap rent.



I would maybe also look around NJ.



Both of these places don't really have the same 'vibe' as manhattan but its safe and easy to live in. Personally I probably wouldn't try the Bronx but its up to you.



Good Luck.