Manhattan is a lot more expensive to live in than the outer boroughs. I also always found that except for bars, stuff to do/places to go in Manhattan close a lot earlier than you would expect, I guess because not as many people actually live there. If you do live in Manhattan you'll definitely need roommates and you won't have much space. One thing that I always hated about living in New York was that it took a long time to get anywhere. Except for very short distances you pretty much need to give yourself an hour minimum to get from one place to another.
I don't mean to sound too down on NYC. I love the city, it's the greatest in the world and it will always be my home, but it just speaking for myself I didn't like it anymore.
--
[NO BARKLEY NO PEACE]