Saving up for a Manhattan apartment is a lofty goal--our listings show that the median price for a condo is $2.29 million and a co-ops stand at $923,985 --but the down payment is just the beginning. Even if a person is lucky enough to buy their new apartment outright, they must still pay common charges and real estate taxes if owning a condo, or monthly maintenance fees when owning a co-op. The combined total of which can rival some mortgage payments.

In co-ops, all shareholders pay co-op fees which are generally set based on the size of the apartment and include property taxes, any underlying mortgage on the building, and building insurance. In many buildings, utilities (e.g., heat and hot water, electricity, and gas) are also included in the fees. One’s fees likely also cover other regular upkeep costs such as landscaping and pest control. Finally, fees cover building staff salaries and any additional services. As a result, the more staff and services found in the building, the higher the fees.

In condo buildings, tenants pay common charges, which cover many of these same things as co-op maintenance fees but differ in that they do not include property taxes. As a result, common charges are often lower than co-op fees, but in combination with taxes, can be much higher than one’s co-op maintenance fee. Common charges are set based on the size (and in some cases, also the location) of one’s unit.

With that in mind, for those looking to take bear a lighter load of carrying costs, we compiled several expansive condo and co-op apartments for sale with relatively low maintenance fees or common charges.

From the Listing: This Southern and Eastern 2br apartment gives all of the light and space that you've been wanting. Off the beaten path in a quiet and tree-filled neighborhood, you will find apartment B402 at 455 FDR. With hardwood floors, a huge kitchen that could be opened up, a beautiful entryway foyer and an oversized balcony, this apartment doesn't disappoint. Electric included in the already low maintenance. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Move-in ready true two bedroom home available at Southbridge Towers! With tranquil courtyard views, this apartment is pindrop quiet. It also features some of the lowest maintenance rates in any Downtown co-op (and the maintenance includes electricity!). This is the one you've been waiting for- at long-last, a well-priced tastefully renovated home under the million dollar mark so you'll avoid the hefty NYC mansion tax payable by buyers. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This stylish prewar two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex is situated in a classic Upper West Side turn-of-the-century townhouse built in 1890. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Residence 5WF is a gut-renovated, architectural Penthouse-level triplex masterpiece replete with 16 foot ceilings, a private terrace and state of the art kitchen appliances. South facing sunlight shines throughout the entire apartment, leaving every room gleaming with natural sun all day long. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This stunning maisonette apartment has a private entrance within Breen Tours, and enjoys the full services of this Art Deco inspired building. The open plan living/dining room is ideally suited for entertaining. A stunning stylized kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances including a Lieber refrigerator, Wolf stove and wine fridge. The king-sized primary bedroom has a generous walk-in California closet. A spa-like bathroom offers floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles and a standing shower with a glass enclosure. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Enjoy brilliant North/East light from 9 enormous windows in this rare 1,700SF corner loft located right in the heart of Soho!A wide entrance foyer leads to a spacious corner Living/Dining room with 12-foot ceilings, classic fluted columns, a wood-burning fireplace, and open views of the surrounding historic Cast-iron district from impressive double-glazed windows.

The coop receives income from the commercial space which helps offset expenses and assure low monthly charges. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This rare 1-bedroom and 1.5-bath brownstone condominium is being offered furnished or unfurnished and boasts unbelievably low common charges of only $398/month. Located on West 74th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue, the brownstone sits among many of the Upper West Side’s best attractions. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Live on the Park. Luxurious renovations throughout this postwar condominium apartment originated from Architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. NO BOARD APPROVAL AND NO APPLICATION PROCESS. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Light filled spacious 901 Sq Ft one bed one bath with a good-sized dining area and private terrace awaits a new owner. Conveniently located next to the Columbus Square Retail shopping district and Whole Foods. Central Park is right outside your door. Pets are welcome. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: This classic and oversized 2 bed/bathroom apartment is located on the gloriously beautiful 100th St between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive.Apartment 1C while on the first floor overlooks the back and is actually a level up from the garden. Exceptionally high ceilings and tall windows allow for great light. The renovated windowed kitchen has ample storage and a separate dining room. Both bedrooms have generous floor plates and well built out closets. Make this the perfect starter home or home with that perfect office space. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Live the Downtown Dream! This sprawling raw maissonette with your own private street entrance just off Ericsson Place, offers the unique opportunity to customize your dream loft in one of the most desirable blocks in the heart of Tribeca. It boasts over 1300 square feet of space with soaring 16 foot high ceilings, exposed painted brick walls and an expansive recreation area that would create the perfect work space, den or playroom. You can also access your apartment through the main entrance on 39 North Moore where there is direct elevator access. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Newly Renovated Residence 32 at 308 West 97th Street is a stunning triple-mint, Three bedrooms, Two full bathroom Pre-War Condo in the heart of the Upper West Side. Nestled between West End Avenue and Riverside Drive, this distinctive home offers an exquisite mix of classic elegance with modern convenience. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Welcome home to your East Village gem!! In addition to being one block from Tompkins Square Park your boutique building offers an elevated landscaped common terrace that acts as your very own park. Once inside your corner apartment, you are greeted by Eastern and Southern exposures allowing the sunlight to pour into your kitchen and entertainment room. See floor plan and full details here.

From the Listing: Incredible value! A 25 foot wide renovated duplex condo loft in the heart of the Lower East Side with 10ft Ceilings This sun-flooded 3 bedrooms 3 bathroom apartment has it all. See floor plan and full details here.