I buy stuff I shouldn't be able to afford but my rent is so cheap at $200 (Split between siblings, 900 in total) a month that I probably keep more in my pocket than people making $50~60k in SoCal.
Also have a cousin that got promoted to GM and making 60~70k while paying $100 in rent (Living with grandparents down the street). Many new housing places start off at $1200~$2000/month for maybe 1 or 2 rooms, Ours is 4 rooms w/ 2 bathrooms.
Honestly, Cheaper housing is the main solution to our poverty struggles. I have a friend that is getting his own place at $1200/month while making 2700/month which is basically half his paycheck!