Parents of 11 kids reveal how much they pay for rent in New York

A video about a New York City couple who pay a staggering $12,300 per month in rent to house their 11 children in Harlem has gone viral on TikTok.

Their story, shared in a TikTok video by @thehappycaravan, has amassed 4.4 million views since it was posted on March 2. The video highlights the financial challenges of raising a large family in one of the world’s most expensive cities.

The video features Amber de la Motte, 45, a social media content creator, whose husband, Marc de la Motte, 47, works as a project manager for a sign company. In the clip, the mom explains the journey that brought their family of 13 from San Diego to New York, a move driven by their children’s musical ambitions and the opportunities the city provides.

Living in a seven-bedroom home in Manhattan with three additional rooms, the couple’s monthly expenses total $18,100 when factoring in rent, utilities, and other expenses. In addition to their rent, they pay $600 for gas and electricity, $2,700 for food, $2,000 for music lessons, and $500 for miscellaneous expenses, the mom told Newsweek.

Acknowledging that navigating the high cost of living in New York has been one of their greatest challenges, she explained that managing day-to-day life in a city like New York presents additional obstacles beyond rent. Taking the subway with a large family, dealing with bus transfers, and ensuring the safety of their children in busy intersections all add to the complexity of their daily routine.

The viral video comes at a time when rising rent prices are putting financial strain on many Americans. A 2024 report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University found that half of renter households in the United States spend over 30 percent of their income on rent.

Additionally, the report found that 12.1 million households are considered “severely cost-burdened,” meaning they spend more than half their income on housing expenses—an increase of 1.5 million since pre-pandemic levels.

A Family Rooted in Music

De la Motte and her husband met 26 years ago in San Diego. Being an only child, she admired big families and dreamed of having 12 children. She and Marc had never planned for 11 kids, but they have welcomed each of them wholeheartedly.

The mom explained that their children developed a passion for stringed instruments. Their household includes talented violinists, cellists, violists, and double bass players.

Their children’s musical talents largely influenced their decision to move across the country. In 2022, seven of their children auditioned for Juilliard, while two auditioned for the Manhattan School of Music. The outcome was remarkable—four of their children were accepted into Juilliard, while one was admitted to the Manhattan School of Music.

Since both institutions typically require students to be on campus, the family relocated to New York City, ensuring their children could continue living at home.

Expanding Their Home Space

When the family first moved to Harlem, they initially paid $9,800 per month for their home, as the lower level of the building was not included in their rental agreement. The space remained empty most of the time, with the owner occasionally using it when visiting town.

However, when the landlord decided to rent the lower level to another tenant, the couple made the financially difficult choice of taking over the space themselves. They agreed to pay an additional $2,500 monthly to secure the lower portion of the home, ensuring their children’s safety and giving their large family more room.

Was Moving to NYC the Right Decision?

Looking back on their move, the mom admits she has mixed emotions. In the viral video, she acknowledges the weight of their decision, saying: “Yes. I sometimes wonder if it was absolutely insane and stupid, and I definitely have second thoughts about it.”

But despite the challenges, she remains firm in her belief that their move has been worthwhile. “At the same time, I hear the kids’ music, and it’s so exquisite, it’s so beautiful, they’re prospering so much,” she said.

While the financial burden remains daunting, the family hopes to stay in New York for the foreseeable future.

The mom told Newsweek: “We love the opportunities in NYC and would love to settle here at least until our youngest has finished college if we can continue to afford the cost of living.”

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