<p>Where do you find a place in SoCal for that matter where rent is $600, unless you’re living in a bedroom in someone’s house? By the way, $400 is REALLY not that absurd. That comes out to a good $13 a day, which is NOT absurd. Go out to eat, bam, that’s $10. For food, I’d say, given you go out 10 times a month, I’d say $500-$650. And by the way, car insurance WILL be three digits a month. My mom pays $90 for car insurance, and she’s been licensed for 15 years. Male? 22? Expect around $150+. Geico quotes $200/month for two cars when I add myself as a codriver, NOT primary driver, on my mom’s policy.</p>
<p>By the way, you forgot car payment. Being able to save $20k on a $55k salary is absurd. $15k, yes, maybe, but $20k is not possible.</p>