Image Courtesy of WNYC It's certainly no secret that the cost of living in New York City is outrageous. The food, the entertainment, and worst of all, the housing, are no doubt albatrosses around the necks of city-dwellers looking to take advantage of everything the city's splendors. And, according to a recent report from the real estate research firm, Reis Inc., sustaining one's ideal lifestyle is now harder than ever. The not-so-shocking report states that, for the first time during the second quarter, New York City's average rental rate has surpassed $3,000 and has reached a whopping $3,017 a month.