NYC uses much lax requirements: Your yearly gross income (before any taxes, in aggregate, including other sources) must be greater than 40x the rent price. The

NYC uses much lax requirements: Your yearly gross income (before any taxes, in aggregate, including other sources) must be greater than 40x the rent price. The example of 5k would require a gross income of 200k or higher, making it much easier to qualify for than what you're assuming. Is it a good idea to spend 5k on rent when you earn 200k is a different question.