The skyrocketing cost of living in New York City is forcing creative professionals, including makeup artists, designers, and filmmakers, to leave the cultural hub for more affordable cities like Miami, Dallas, and Nashville.
Noel Jacoboni, a TV and cinema makeup artist with 20 years of experience, says she sees little choice but to move, citing “being priced out” due to steep rents and rising production costs.
A recent report by the Center for an Urban Future reveals that since 2019, the number of workers in creative industries across New York has dropped by 6.1 percent. Sectors including cinema, TV, advertising, and design have experienced notable declines, with cinema and TV employment down 19.1 percent, advertising down 15.7 percent, and design down 14.3 percent.
Income vs. Rent Gap
The report highlights a widening gap between income and living costs. Creatives in New York earn approximately 23% less than the national average after accounting for the high cost of living, compared to 15% a decade ago. Median household rent has surged by 42% over the last ten years, while creative salaries increased by only 25%, significantly below the citywide average salary increase of 44%.
Eli Dvorkin, an author of the report, notes, “Artists were hit hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic, and now costs are rising faster than incomes, pushing many to seek opportunities elsewhere.”
Impact on New York’s Cultural Scene
The exodus of talent has taken a toll on New York’s cultural institutions. More than 50 theaters, music venues, museums, and galleries have closed since 2020, citing high rents, insurance costs, and operational expenses. Even major cultural landmarks like the Metropolitan Opera and the Guggenheim Museum have implemented layoffs. Broadway productions also face challenges, with only four musicals turning a profit over the past six years.
City Efforts to Retain Creative Talent
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his administration have acknowledged the affordability crisis. Rafael Espinal, the city’s head of media and entertainment, emphasized the importance of keeping New York “the creative capital of the world,” ensuring that artists can live and work sustainably in the city. Initiatives include expanding rent-controlled housing for artists and increasing access to well-paying union jobs.
Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council, and the Center for an Urban Future have also proposed citywide cultural festivals and targeted housing policies to rejuvenate the creative sector and retain talent.
As New York City continues to face steep living costs, the future of its creative workforce and its status as a global cultural hub, depends on balancing opportunity, affordability, and sustainable urban development.
