What is my best option?

[ThePriceOfSugar]

My ex (on good terms) is moving out of our shared apartment next week.

I need to decide where I'm going to live, since we used to split the cost of the apartment. He owns it and would let it to me below market rate ($3,100)

Which is the best option, when I make net $5,000 a month?

Stay in the apartment alone (2br, Manhattan): $2,500

Move to a studio in Brooklyn: $2,100±

Get a flatmate for current apartment: $1,600

The savings on less space, further away from the city (impossible to find reasonable rentals in Manhattan at the moment) seem to be quite poor, but $2,500 would hurt a bit. Also having my ex as my landlord and him doing me a favour with this rent is slightly questionable, especially as I will have to sign a year's lease.

I would much prefer to live alone, especially as I will be hosting my parents for long stretches (a month) when they visit me.

I would like to hear your thoughts.

Fellow NY'er here. Unless you want to move to the burbs or get a roommate, I think staying in the apartment is your best bet. Moving to Brooklyn to save $400 a month wouldn't be worth the extra commuting time for me.

Thanks @MissConductUS, it's so helpful to hear from a local. I feel like choosing not to have a roommate is a huge indulgence, but maybe I could try the solo life first and if too expensive, bring someone in.

I'm glad I could help. Yes, a roommate can always be added later. If you can work from home at least some of the time, that would make the commute easier if you need to move further out. Lots of people commute into Manhattan from NJ or Westchester county.