The apartment complex i lived in while in Rapid City, South Dakota was $650 (2011-2012)...How many places in the US do you think have $500 rent where you need no roommates, completely functional (A/C, heat, working kitchen), in a low-crime area?
In the town nearest where I grew up, $500 will get you a 2 bed, 1.5 bath apartment on a golf course.