When I lived in the city (1.5 yrs ago, I've since moved to NJ with my SO), my rent was $1000 (1 room in 2 bedroom, split with my brother), and my commute was a (mean, over a few days of sampling) 12-minutes, door to door. It's actually all pretty reasonable. The space is small, but the only thing you're really missing is a big room for a TV, which you don't need in this town.

Edit: Also, it should be noted that the dating scene in NYC is ridiculously nice for single men with good jobs.