Advice on purchase to lower housing costs in NYC

[Tony Chen]

Hey BiggerPockets,

I am looking for some advice on my first purchase for a primary residence to lower my housing expenses in NYC. While also being within 1 hr commute to manhattan for my W2 job, not living in an unfavorable neighborhood, and being close to the subway, ideally in queens. I have researched/lurked on the forums for house hacking and the common saying in NYC is that the likely outcome is you end up paying cheaper living expenses. So I am trying to decide which purchase and strategy is more worth it to pursue to lower my housing expenses without unfavorable living? Buying a 1 bedroom co-op or doing an NYC house hack with maybe a 2 family duplex? Thanks!