Lived there for 7 years and never made anything near $100k but also wasn't working retail or anything like that. I spent half or more of my money on rent to live in Oakland at first, then farther and farther out as the prices increased. Lived alone at first, later with roommates. I just lived in the shittier suburb towns and would have longer and longer commutes to work. My longest commute was an hour and a half one way, but I knew people that would drive 2 to 3 hours one way so that they could own a house way the hell out in the boonies. Now I live in Vancouver which is just as expensive, but I get paid more and can afford to live within walking/biking distance of work. Still...the money I spend on a small apartment is almost double what my sister pays on the mortgage for her house in Oregon.