Living in NYC is very expensive as compared to many other parts of the country.  Newcomers are often faced with sticker-shock and sometimes are unable to meet the income requirements set by the landlord.  If you do not personally meet the income requirements, you may need to use a Guarantor to secure the apartment.  A Guarantor is added to the lease and becomes responsible for paying the rent should the tenant fail to pay.  A Guarantor must meet income requirements higher than the tenant and range from 80 to 100 times that of the monthly rent.  Not all landlords accept Guarantors so it is always best to ask if that is an option.