You have to also factor in the "get". In other words, what do you get for your money. $1000 in NY aint gonna get you much. I pay almost that in central NJ for a one-BR apt. And from being in the area, Queens and Jersey City aren't the NY that most people dream about. My better half's brother pays about $1500 sharing with two others in Midtown. Maybe you could find someone in Manhattan to share if you're going to jump into it.

Also consider Philadelphia. Rents are a lot lower than NY and it's very much on the rise. Cost of living is also significantly lower than NY. You can probably find a good 1-BR in northern liberties for less than a grand a month with no roommates. Sharing, you might be able to get down to your Dallas $750 and have a nice apartment in old city, university city, or near south street. You would also save a heck of a lot of time, money, and frustration getting to the airport since PHL is closer to Philly than most airports in major cities.

Finally, coming from a youngish, financially conservative, been living on pennies for way too long person...save the dough. Living paycheck to paycheck sucks. And you even recognize that you might be able to afford NY rent but doing anything there is another story unless you have some disposible income. Then in a few years, after you establish yourself, you can ask IBM or whoever to station you in Manhattan. At that point, they will probably give a cost of living adjustment and you would be able to enjoy the experience as it is.

Just my 2 cents.