[strmpnk]

Hard to say but you should definitely check out realistic rent prices. You should be making at least 40 times rent per year (and use more than craigslist to get price ranges — streeteasy.com has pretty real prices). I know that was a tough one being self employed for my first time here in NYC as they usually require proof that you make that amount in some form before signing a lease, or a guarantor. While I personally make more than some of the numbers I hear people throw out from time to time, it's not always an immediate increase in quality of life or affordability here, so it's worth considering that. You might fall in love with the city (as I did) which makes the sacrifice well worth it but not all people stick around.

Anyway, if you ask me, risks are worth taking from time to time. NYC was one I took and never looked back. Things change with families so you should decide what risk fits in with that lifestyle.