Like I said in my comment ("[...] that satisfy at least half of your list of requirements[...]"), I have everything in that list apart from the spare bedroom. I

Like I said in my comment ("[...] that satisfy at least half of your list of requirements[...]"), I have everything in that list apart from the spare bedroom. I rent a 2BR/2BA and my share of rent is $1750. My roommate pays $1450. If I were to live by myself, I'd get half of the amenities in that list at $2k. If I were to venture an extra 15mins (by subway) out, I can find a similar place to my current one for $2k/mo that's a 1BR. Funny how people are tiering up cities. NYC rent should be compared against NYC salaries. Cost of living is still high in NYC, but so are your chances of landing a salary that can let you afford a comfortable lifestyle. Especially in our profession. I'm ignoring Manhattan, and so should most people that expect suburban comforts, unless if you're living (north of) Harlem.