Taxes on $18,000 is $800 in usa. Entertainment we just do for free through torrenting and walking.

Medical expenses, well, we live in the Usa. You just find a way to skate by until you don't. Obviously the political solution needs to be "Medicare for all", but I don't have the power to fight the multi billion dollar insurance lobby :)

Living off of savings is sustainable if you have $50,000 saved and only $1,000 a year in excess spending.

I currently make $50,000 a year. But, I usually get laid off, because I am precariously employed. So, after taxes, I usually only take home about $25,000 a year.

I would be much happier with a guaranteed $17,000 a year instead.