How to avoid Manhattan prices?

Whenever I’m in Manhattan, Manhattan isn’t a real city. No real city is filled with all things luxury and fine dining. <br><br>Covid has financially crushed me. I lived in NYC for a year and I love it. I love the lights, I love the people, I love the attractions and I love the food. I would go back if I could but it seems like Manhattan is not for the economically challenged. I’ve heard Brooklyn is cheaper but I don’t know if that’s true.