More than a quarter of New Yorkers are spending half their money on rent, Rep. Anthony Weiner said yesterday.
He said data shows there are now more than 572,000 people in the city who have to shell out half their income on rental housing. That’s up more than 82,000 in six years. “It is a startling proof point . . . that New York is more and more a difficult place to live,” said Weiner (D-Brooklyn/Queens).
Overall, 27.5 percent of city residents shell out half their income for rent, he said. Bronx residents are the hardest hit: 33.1 percent pay half or more in rent. Manhattan has the lowest level, 23.7 percent. Queens has risen the fastest, from 22.3 percent six years ago to 27.7 percent now.
Weiner said an increasing number of New Yorkers can’t afford to buy a home and face fewer affordable options to rent.