Barely without working, can easily mean that he doesn’t have enough for other cost after rent. Rent is generally the most important bill to pay unless you want to become homeless.
He also says this:
When asked if he could retire, Yafet said, “I wouldn’t be in New York if I retired.”
Meaning that the expenses are too high even for a tiny tiny apartment of only 46 m² !
To be able to “afford” rent but not to be able to live, actually means you can’t afford the rent.
Barely without working, can easily mean that he doesn’t have enough for other cost after rent. Rent is generally the most important bill to pay unless you want to become homeless.
He also says this:
Meaning that the expenses are too high even for a tiny tiny apartment of only 46 m² !
To be able to “afford” rent but not to be able to live, actually means you can’t afford the rent.