Arksansas - Where it's a crime to not pay rent.

[sanantone]

Yes, $75 a week is very doable for someone who makes $1333 a month.  

$1333
-133 FICA
-37 State tax
-300 savings
--------------------
$863 disposable income --- this is very doable

It boils down eliminating instant gratification for a short period of time for long-term benefits.  

Now suppose this person gets married and both make $16,000 a year, one person's salary can go toward the house payment and it is free and clear in 4.5 years.  Can we do the same in California?  No.

Now the $16,000 a year is an example that your dollar can go much further in AR than in coastal cities.  The average salary in Little Rock is much higher than 16k, but you can see how low your salary can go and you can still own a home (the example of a home was one from Little Rock).  You will never be able to afford a home in coastal cities at that salary, therefore your upward mobility is much better in AR than in coastal cities despite what your articles say.  Teenagers can afford to buy a home in AR.

And, what's going to happen to that disposable income? You have to pay for rent, utilities, food and transportation. And, you better live in a city with decent public transportation; otherwise, you would need a car or to find someone to drive you everywhere. If you have to live with your parents, then you're poor.

Who is making $16k in California? People working part-time? Wages are higher in California. House prices are also higher in California, but they aren't as high as you make them seem.