You can do NYC for cheap… I have been going up there for the past 15 years or so… I however have a place to stay as my uncle lives right in Manhattan. If you can find a reasonable hotel I would go for it, its defiantly an experience. You can eat wonderful and cheap food in little Italy, etc… you can also find discount tickets to Broadway shows, etc… just plan it out 1st. Also remember public transportation can get REALLY expensive… sometimes its better to spend a little more on a hotel right in the city rather than using public transportation the whole time.