I believe $1000 a month is pretty low when you consider how much it costs in the world to meet your basic needs. Also, when you take into account that people will then be able to move around, they will finally be able to afford to live some place cheaper. Because the cost of living on the coasts is higher than here in middle america. I live in a 2 bedroom house with a full basement, fenced in back yard, in a relatively nicer neighborhood and my rent is only $400.