Back then minimum wage was something like $1.68 an hour. I think the cost of living in proportion to the minimum wage was easier to live with than it is now. I did not own a car. I walked or rode a bike for transportation. I lived in substandard housing and shared rooms with friends to pay rent and utilities. I was undernourished. I did not buy new clothes or shoes, only thrift store when I could afford that. I did not go to the doctor, dentist, entertainment or restaurants. I spent my money on rent, utlities, and school. I was only lucky that I didn't have any serious health issues or accidents.