As the year winds down, we know how important it feels to show gratitude to the people who support our homes and our families day in and day out. Living in New York means relying on a small army of helping hands—neighbors who hold our packages, staff who greet us after long days, caregivers who treat our loved ones like their own, and services that keep our lives moving smoothly in a city that never slows down.
Tipping is simply our way of saying thank you.
The guide below is meant to make the process feel easier, lighter, and more intentional. These ranges are suggestions, not rules—every home, every relationship, and every budget is different. What matters most is the spirit of appreciation behind the gesture.
How much should I tip building staff?
The precise amount depends on the size of your building (the larger the staff, the smaller the individual tips), quality of service, staff seniority, length of time you’ve lived there, whether you own or rent, personal chemistry, your financial circumstances, and whether you're frugal, generous, or somewhere in between. Here's a general framework, for you to use as you see fit:
In-Building Staff
Resident Manager:
• Average: $150–$300
• Range: $100–$500
Doorman / Concierge:
• Average: $75–$200
• Range: $50–$400
Handyman:
• Average: $50–$100
• Range: $50–$200
Porters & Maintenance Staff:
• Average: $25–$50
• Range: $25–$100
Garage Attendant:
• Average: $25–$75
• Range: $20–$100
Do I have to tip?
No. Tipping the staff during the holidays is a custom, not a requirement, but you’ll be in the minority if you don't.
Should I tip the new doorman the same as the one who’s been here 20 years?
Newer doormen in their first few years of service often receive smaller tips. For instance, a first-year doorman may collect half of what a senior doorman does.
Should the amount I tip correspond to the rent I pay, or to how many people live in my apartment?
Tipping is (theoretically) about rewarding service, not about how big your apartment is or how much you pay for it.
My building has a tipping pool. Do I need to give individual tips on top of that?
With a tipping pool, residents contribute what they wish into the pool, which is then divided according to seniority and full-time or part-time status. The anonymity of the process means that tenants feel they will get equal treatment by the staff—no special favors for the big tippers. But in practice, in many buildings with tipping pools, owners continue to tip individually; at least for the staff members they see the most.
Are renters expected to tip as much as owners?
Renters, as a group, tend to tip less than condo and co-op owners.
Home + Family Support
Cleaning Service:
• One Week's Pay
Full-Time Nanny:
• Minimum: One week’s pay
• Generous: Two weeks’ pay, or one week’s pay + one week of vacation
Regular Babysitter (occasional):
• $25–$50 cash or a gift card
Teacher:
• $25 gift card + a small, thoughtful gift from your children
Kids’ Activity Instructor / Coach:
• Small gift or gift card from your children
Regular Dog Walker:
• One week’s pay
Delivery + Services
UPS Delivery Driver:
• $25–$50 for consistent or high-volume deliveries
• More if you receive business-related packages
Mail Carrier:
• By law, cash can’t exceed $20
• Many NYC residents tip $25–$50 in practice, especially with frequent deliveries or signature-required mail
Dry Cleaner:
• $10–$20 gift card or homemade treats
Personal Care
Hairdresser:
• The cost of one service
Nail or Waxing Salon:
• The cost of one service
Personal Trainer / Yoga Instructor:
• The cost of one session
Massage Therapist:
• The cost of one service
Personal Chef:
• One–two weeks’ pay, or the cost of one session depending on frequency
Personal Driver:
• One week’s pay
When is the best time to give a holiday tip?
The beginning of December would be better because it helps with their own holiday shopping. That's why we wanted to get this to you earlier this year.
2025 was a tough year because of inflation, tariffs, and the government shutdown. Should I give a little extra?
There’s no question that it will be appreciated. Inflation continues to hurt working class New Yorkers by raising costs for food and just about everything else. And this year, the ripple effect of the long government shutdown impacted even non-government workers, for example, those applying for benefits for the first time. You can read more here.
We hope this brings a little clarity and warmth to your holiday season.
And as always, we’re here to help you navigate every part of city living—big and small. We’ll be with you every step of the way!
