NYC is a step-function of higher COL than just about anywhere else on the East Coast. Even compared Boston or DC. Taxes alone are high, around 6% total for New York State. Want to live in New York City? Great, that's an additional 3%. OK, so you don't want to live in New York City to avoid that 3%? Now you're looking at $600/month for your commute costs to spend 3 hours a day commuting.