I will be going to NYC right around your time as well, Oct/Nov for 4 days-ish.
I got the NYPass + Citysights tour bus voucher, I got the 3 day pass for both and for $198 total. the NYPass gets you into many attractions for free once per attraction including many museums, zoos and some other attractions.
As for accommodations, you could stay at the NYC Hostel in Manhattan, I got good rates for $200 for the full 4 nights I will be staying (actually I had to pay for an extra day for the late arrival coming in from the west coast).
I am not trying to convince you or sell anything, I have recieved the NYPass myself, I asked for it to be mailed otherwise I would have proof to be able to do something about it if it weren't which is not the case. I do not work for NYPass, etc.
I was going to meet up with a friend in Europe, he bailed so I really have no choice but to stick to plans without him
