If it makes you feel any better, for the last three years, my wife and I saw <2k per month before tax and rent. I'm moving in a few months to get a better job. Still won't be making 80k, though.
Living in NYC as well? Its hard to find a place under about 1700 in remotely decent commuting distance, in a vaguely safe area that isn't full of roaches.
I've been using python for 8+ years now (4ish in a professional context), and have also given Python classes to large groups of students at big universities.
Can you email me at nycdev@hmamail.com?