I can sympathize that rent is too high, absolutely, but why does New York City make it nearly impossible and extremely expensive to build new apartment buildings? Why are the property taxes so high? Why so much expensive burdensome zoning codes and regulation just to own and rent out an apartment building? Perhaps these high taxes and restrictive regulations are making supply scarce and costing everyone too much money?

Why is it that in less restrictive communities and States, where there is lower taxation and less regulation, apartments end up being far cheaper?

It really comes down to logic. Common sense. Either you have it, or don't.