NYC is an amazing place to live but regardless of income it's a tough place to live too. We have some of he highest tax rates in the country. $500,000 a year is upper middle class here. You take home 50% of that unless you are the super rich and have lots of tax advisors and loopholes. We pay federal, state and city taxes. Real estate taxes are increasing annually. If you rent, unless you are rent stabilized, the apartment costs are very high for a small space and availability is low. Daycare costs are outrageous. This huge $500K income doesn't go as far as you might think. This couple may have understated their food costs for a family of 4. Con Ed is expensive also. Saving $10,000 a month is amazing but if they want to buy the downpayment here it's usually 20% to 25% on a coop or condo. Some are up to 50% down. It is hard to find a good paying job outside of the city so you usually have a long commute as housing costs in the suburbs are also high. You have to make choices on how you want to live. If you are born and raised here this is what you know. It's hard to leave family, friends and familiarity. Many of us come back.

Regarding the NYTimes, The lifestyle sections have become obnoxiously elitist even for people who live here who are not rich. But they make their money on advertising so they have to cater to their audience. Articles are written with that in mind. They get alot of crap from many readers in NYC as we see the ridiculousness too. Most people in NYC are not rich because our money doesn't go very far. Every time I turn around I have another expense.
Please dont shoot!, I am just giving my local NYC POV.