> I could work in a pizzeria and live in NYC, this "it's too expensive" is really a suburban view of the sqft. Not everyone enjoys living in a shoe box or havi

> I could work in a pizzeria and live in NYC, this "it's too expensive" is really a suburban view of the sqft. Not everyone enjoys living in a shoe box or having a dozen roommates, for instance, and not everyone enjoys living in big cities either. Suburbs are amazing, despite what all the big city folks will tell you. $82k a year in NYC is not amazing by any stretch. Could you realistically work in a pizzeria ($30k-$50k) and have a fulfilled life? Of course - but you will not be living well. There is a difference. > 49% above what it considers the average annual income in the US. You're comparing one of the highest cost of living areas with a national average. That's a very wrong comparison, and conclusion to make.