I lived in Manhattan, LES, for a couple of years in the early 2010's, and the cost of living can be stunning, even to people from other big cities. My 600 square foot apartment, a second floor walkup just off Delancey, was $2500 a month, including heat but not water or electric, five years ago!
Edit: And, if you are a typical American in love with your automobile, the monthly cost of a parking garage can run $500/600, and that will probably a taxi ride, or long walk, from your apartment. A single parking ticket costs about $50, so forget about street parking.