Monica and Rachel’s apartment on FriendsOne of the most iconic locations in television history. This two-bedroom home was unbelievably spacious and featured beautiful purple walls. It also had a balcony. Ugly Naked Guy’s apartment). As far-fetched as it seemed that these 20-somethings could score such a lovely living area — albeit with help from Monica’s grandmother — what was even more implausible was the comically low amount they forked over for rent each month. What would it cost to live there in 2022, nearly three decades after the NBC sitcom’s debut?
Because of rent stabilization established in the 1940s, Monica was able to move into her grandmother’s old apartment for the low, low price of just $200 a month. Chandler was correct when he stated that rent control made living in the apartment a reality. “friggin’ steal.”
What would the price of an identical apartment be today? Hoval, an interior design institute, estimates (via Fox 10 Phoenix) that a two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan’s West Village today would put you out about $6,554 a month. That’s almost three years of rent in Monica and Rachel’s time.
All six of the main characters lived there at some point, and why wouldn’t they? The monthly rent is split between two roommates, which makes it only $100. It suddenly makes sense that they could spend their time at Central Perk drinking coffee and not working. Central Perk waitresses and freelance massage therapists likely aren’t pulling in the $3,200 it would take to make their half of what that rent would be today.
It also makes one realize just how high the stakes were when Monica and Rachel were forced to switch apartments with Joey and Chandler after they lost a game to see which roommates knew more about the other pair in Season 4’s “The One With the Embryos.”This is the moment!
Monica’s trademark, “Nooooooo!”The clip’s end really has a new meaning, as you see that she gambled $100 per month on her apartment. Over 10 seasons, different Central Perk 6 members took up residence at the apartment. Monica (CourteneyCox) and Phoebe (“Lisa Kudrow”) met in the apartment when they were both living there before the show’s events. After Rachel’s wedding, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), moved in to the series premiere.
After the girls had given the apartment to Joey (Matt LeBlanc), we later saw Chandler (Matthew Perry) who temporarily lived there. Monica and Chandler moved in togetherAfter they were married. Monica noted that Ross (David Schwimmer), who was then pursuing a career of dance, had previously lived there during the series finale. (Between that and Chandler’s history as a mime, the potential exists for a really interesting series, should FriendsDrama can be reimagined every time.)
Fans can now revisit all 10 seasons. Friends, including 2021’s Friends: The ReunionWith an HBO Max subscriptionCheck out our website for more information. 2022 TV scheduleTo see which other series will be premiering soon, click here