Is the cost of living in New York City high?

"The cost of living in New York City varies widely. I lived in the city with roomates after college, ate out often (but always cheaply) and it didn't break the bank. But, an expat family whose kids need to go to a bi-lingual school, may find that the cost of living can quickly get out of hand. Affordable NYC rents are as low as $1,900 for a basic studio on the Lower East Side to $4,800 for a "cozy" 2-bedroom on the Upper West Side with a small patio. Of course, if you're company has given you a higher housing allowance or you're not on a tight budget, you can spend, spend, spend. Groceries are affordable (they are not much higher than groceries in other places in the US) and restaurant prices are all over the map -- with many cheap but delicious meals to be had. Currently the cost of a subway or bus ride is $2.75 and cars are not needed in NYC (in fact, in many neighborhoods, locals would tell you that having a car is a hassle). And, of course, healthcare can be a huge expense in New York (this is a universal problem in the United States). ," remarked another expat in New York, US.

"The cost of living in New York is generally considered to be high. Rent for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in New York can range from around $2,000 to $3,500 per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $2,500 to $4,500 per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in New York can cost around $20 to $30 per person," said a member in New York, the United States.