I'd thought about that, but there could be two effects. There are people working for low wages, who live in high cost areas, because that's where the jobs are.

I'd thought about that, but there could be two effects. There are people working for low wages, who live in high cost areas, because that's where the jobs are. If we're talking about a liveable BI, then they would have the option of moving to a cheaper area to live. Once there were many more people living there, at least some of them would start their own businesses, and there would be more economic activity in that area. Now, this would raise rents in that area slightly, but would have a downward pressure on rents in the more expensive area. In short, it might have the effect of equalising rents. It's difficult to be sure, of course, which is why I think it would be a good idea to start BI low enough that we can keep an eye on what's actually happening (say $30 a week), as there could well be multiple effects all at once if you started at, say, $150 a week.