NOTHING is cheap in New York. If you can avoid staying in Manhattan, and stay in Jersey ( just over the river) from Manhattan, you will save money, although it is still mind-bogglingly expensive. I am going to guess that the venues you are trying to get to are in Manhattan? Yes, Google reveals them to be in Manhattan. There are two tunnels to the Jersey side--Lincoln and I think the Holland tunnel. There is a train that runs from Jersey into Manhattan, with stops in lower Manhattan. There is a Days Inn in Jersey City-I think that is the one--that is much less expensive than any hotel in Manhattan, and was only a two block walk from the train. Room rates start at $139 per night, according to their website, which is roughly just under £70 per night.