You really need a car in the States but unless you make good money it's a real burden to own a car. One way or another it's going to cost you. I'm throwing in the towel. Going overseas where I can easily.get around without a car. Honestly what's the point of living in the States if every penny you make goes to just keeping your nose above water? I know where to go where going out to eat is as cheap if not cheaper than cooking at home. $2-$3 meals. $5-$7 international food meals. $300 and cheaper a month for very nice, new apartments. Very good, stable internet. Can get by very comfortably on $800 a month. Life is too short to.deal with people who are always looking to get more and more out of you.