The midwest is way more viable of an option if you want cheap rent and decent job market.
You can still find apartments that cost under 800 dollars a month in some places. That should leave you with the math I calculated here
Lets say you work min wage right, thats Full-Time Income:
Hourly wage: $19
Weekly income (40 hours): 40 x $19 = $760 per week
Monthly income (4 weeks): $760 x 4 = $3,040 per month
Rent:
Rent: $800 per month
Remaining After Rent:
$3,040 - $800 = $2,240 left after paying rent.
Other Expenses:
Even with an $800 rent, you would still have to consider other living expenses like utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, etc.
Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet): Typically, this could be $150–$300, depending on where you live.
Groceries: $200–$400 a month for a single person, depending on eating habits.
Transportation: This could vary depending on whether you have a car, use public transit, or bike. Gas, car payments, and insurance can be significant expenses.
Miscellaneous: Other costs like health insurance, phone bills, and entertainment might add another $200–$300.
After Expenses:
If you estimate these costs (just an example):
Utilities: $200
Groceries: $300
Transportation: $150
Miscellaneous: $200
Total estimated expenses = $850.
So, after rent and all essential expenses, you might still have:
$2,240 - $850 = $1,390 left for savings, entertainment, or anything extra.