“The average cost of a one-bedroom or studio apartment in California is between $1,400 and $1,800.”
As of May 2026, the average rent for a studio apartment in the U.S. was $1,596, and for a one-bedroom apartment, it was $1,550.
Data from May 2026 indicates that national averages for studio and one-bedroom apartments were within or close to the claimed range, but the claim specifically refers to California, where rents are generally higher. However, more specific data for California in May 2026 shows that the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $2,260, and for a studio, it was $1,911, which is above the stated range.
Judged as of May 30, 2026— the video's publish date
As of May 2026, there is evidence that middle-class Americans are living in storage units, tents, and hotels to survive due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Industry data from 2026 indicates that approximately one in three American households (roughly 33%) currently uses self-storage.
In 2026, living in a vehicle—often driven by economic necessity—has become a widespread and increasingly recognized phenomenon, frequently discussed in both social media "nomad" communities and as a significant challenge within the context of the American housing crisis.
Numerous reports and estimates from 2026 indicate that a significant number of Americans, including those who are employed, are living in vehicles due to rising housing costs, inflation, and financial instability.
In April 2026, the national average rent in the United States was reported at approximately $1,730 to $1,740 per month, significantly higher than the $1,600 claimed.