<prompt> Human: Ive seen the 30 rule thrown around a lot. Living in LA the cheapest living arrangement I can find is around 500 a month to share a condo with 2 people per room in the worst parts of LA. I make 1200 a month making 500 a month 40 of my income. Lets say I wanted to live somewhere with 1 person per room it would be 58 of my income. I understand the 30 rule in smaller towns, or states where cost of living is low, but it doesnt add up for people making low wages in high cost cities.  <response>: You need to live somewhere cheaper. I make much more and I STILL want to get out of California since I cant afford homeownership. As an adult, you can go out and a find a situation where you spend 80 of your income on rent, but it will be a very VERY stressful life for you. Ive done it , and praying you have enough to make rent is NOT a good way to live. 