Originally Posted by Dude
Costs of living vary greatly by location. $2000/mo wouldn't cover my mortgage and transportation costs, and I also have older vehicles. Anything less would require relocating to an area with higher crime and even worse schools than we're dealing with now.

There are a ton of low cost states out there in less urban areas.

For instance, it costs even less to live in South-Central PA, where I used to live.

If I was there, I could probably save 60% to 70% of my gross income, as opposed to the more moderate 50% that I save where I am currently located.