Yeah, as someone running like hell from the Bay Area (to Manhattan), I think this is the key.
It's actually possible to get cheap, bad, but livable housing in NYC. It would be difficult to get a plot of floor with a roof over it of any quality at $2k in SF.
It's possible to get cheap, good, and liveable housing in NYC too. I just got a nice 1BR in the Bronx for $1525 that's in a great neighborhood and is less than a block from the express lines. As long as you're not in one of the top-10 trendy neighborhoods there are plenty of great apartments that are within 30-35 min of midtown.
