If I had to choose I would probably choose a place to live over a car. Be that renting or a mortgage. I am however a European, so perhaps less in love with cars than some cultures.

"In 2023, it cost $12,182 a year, or $1,015 a month, to own and operate a new car, according to AAA.[5]" [1]

Seems plausible for 1k a month to be the tipping point.

[1]: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/car-ownership-s...