You think $70,000 is living in poverty?
For a family of four? Hell yes.
I wouldn't make statements like this if you want to be taken seriously.
In an area like NYC, I'd say the poverty level is prob around $35kish for a family of 4, so roughly 50% higher than the rest of the country.
Your taxes are prob low, IDK what they would be at that level, but we can call it 20% for sake of this scenario.
That gives you $2,333 a month.
$900 on rent - This puts you in a 2BR in a very shady neighborhood.
$600 food
$240 - This covers two metrocards, if you need 4 then you're ####ed
$80 - electric
$50 - internet
$100 - family phone plan
This would leave an NYC family living in piss poor conditions, with a balance of $363 a month for miscellaneous things. Insurance is a different conversation.