Miserable and uncomfortable are different. For a place like SF, if you want to live by yourself in a place somewhat near your work, you’re probably spending 3-5

Miserable and uncomfortable are different. For a place like SF, if you want to live by yourself in a place somewhat near your work, you’re probably spending 3-5k/mo on rent for a one bedroom. If you make $100k/yr, your take home is roughly $6k/mo. And that doesn’t include any retirement contributions, other fees, etc. You start including things like food, savings, a car and associated insurance… you don’t have a whole lot left with $100k/yr. The people who live on less than that make significant compromises. Either roommates, living far away, long commute times, or make up the cost elsewhere. Or they bought property many many years ago and don’t have significant costs. It’s not comfortable. Saying otherwise is missing the bigger picture.