> You can live a spartan life on $12,000/year in many places in the midwest and not die of poverty. I live in the Midwest, and this is simply not an accurate d

> You can live a spartan life on $12,000/year in many places in the midwest and not die of poverty. I live in the Midwest, and this is simply not an accurate description of Midwest finances. These people who live on $12k/yr are either already asset rich (i.e., own their own house/car/etc) or are having their friends/family/roommates or the state pick up some of their living expenses, in one way or another. If they don't, they are literally dying of poverty. According to the US Census Bureau, a $12k/yr income would put you below the poverty line, even for a single adult with no children living in the Midwest (Michigan).