Look up "Hell's Angels" by Hunter Thompson. There's a chapter where he discusses the economics of being a biker/hippie circa 1970.
Angels could work six months as a Union stevedore and save up enough to live on the road for two years. A part time waitress could afford to support herself and her musician boyfriend.
There was a student in my elementary school class in the early 90s, whose single mother worked as a cleaning lady at the school and supported both of them with that money. They had a small apartment, a car and while she was considered poor, she always had enough clothes, school supplies etc.
Let's see... Groceries are up about 300%. House prices are up about 250%. Rental costs are up by about 250%. Electric is up by about 150%. Cheap fast food is up by about 350%. Salaries are down by about 20%. Huh... I wonder why we're delving deeper and deeper into despair....