I can't empathize at all with the author of this article.
As others have pointed out, with an income of $500'000 a year I don't think there's anywhere in the world a couple couldn't live comfortably, New York included.
The article reveals lots of financial liabilities: taxi, gym membership, a second house, prepared/processed food, a dog, bourbon, and if you read between the lines you can see an obvious addiction for expensive clothe brands. Yes, these things are cool, but the problem is in having all of those and refusing to make choices.
I have friends who are like this, both bring big salaries, but think they deserve to live the "high life". Can't get ahead financially and complain a lot about it. Eat out for lunch and dinner, every day.
I understand that some people like to live in the city. I've lived in Tokyo for years and can't wait to get back there, it's convenient and entertaining. It's no excuse to forget common sense.