N.Y.C. so costly you need to earn six figures to make middle class [View All]

Source: Daily News

More than $2,000 a month for day care. Some of the highest phone bills in the country. Jam-packed, 50-plus-minute commutes to work.

You knew it was tough to live in New York City — but this tough?

A new report shows just how ugly — and expensive — New York City can be, especially for the middle class, squeezed by skyrocketing living costs and stagnant wages.

The study, released Thursday by the Center for an Urban Future, shows that New York City is hands-down the most expensive place to live in the country.

Among the findings:

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A New Yorker would have to make $123,322 a year to have the same standard of living as someone making $50,000 in Houston.
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In Manhattan, a $60,000 salary is equivalent to someone making $26,092 in Atlanta.
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You knew it was expensive to live in Manhattan, but Queens? The report tagged Queens the fifth most expensive urban area in the country.
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The average monthly rent in New York is $2,801, 53% higher than San Francisco, the second most expensive city in the country.....

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/02/05/2009-02-05_nyc_so_costly_you_need_to_earn_six_figur.html

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For some perspective. Pretty good illustration of why I left.