How do young professionals afford to live in the major US cities?

Assuming they're not from independently wealthy families or they don't have relatives/parents that live in the major cities (New York, Chicago, LA, SF, etc.) how do people entering their first job or going to school afford these places? Is it all risky renting in bad neighborhoods? Public housing/section 8? Commuting from far suburbs? I'm just curious to know from anyone who's currently doing it... I live in a relatively low-rent upstate NY minor city with a decent paying job, but I was talking to a colleague who works down in Long Island City (part of NYC) and even though he makes a downstate differential that puts his pay up to like $45k, he has to live fairly meager because his rent is like $1200 a month (1 bedroom w/ utilities) food and gasoline are way more expensive, and he has to rent parking as well (we have to keep our patrol cars at home). So how do students and the like just working as waitresses, clerks, etc. and/or attending expensive private universities afford to live in these major cities?How do young professionals afford to live in the major US cities?
Public housing/section 8 is not available. They share.How do young professionals afford to live in the major US cities?
they save up their money.

they cut back on shopping, eating out, movies, etc.

they watch what they spend and keep track of how much they need per month for bills/food.

they also probably take advantage of coupons that are available.

being a student you can get discounts on certain things.

in local areas there are free activities to do.

if you are around Manhattan NYC and head out to central park and NYU area they offer free classes, yoga classes, art shows, etc.

since so many people take up the free stuff they are able to enjoy life without blowing all of their savings.

when you cut by on a few things and save it can help you find a place that you want to live in.

start saving your coins and dollars..they add really quick.



hope this helps.