Yes, income wise you are an Average American almost right to the penny for a college educated American. So you have $3,500 in disposable income. Check and see where my estimate of monthly expenses it not in agreement with you budget.

Monthly expenses

$400 for health insurance

$1500 for rent/mortgage

$100 for car insurance

$450 for car payment (temporary)

$500 for food and clothes

$100 for internet and phone

$200 for water, gas, electricity

Total is $3,250

So that would mean that you have only $250 for incidentals and student loan payments.

When you pay off your car you have a period of increased budget surplus to save or pay down other debt. Except for the health insurance and the internet and phone, I can come in well under these numbers.

So yes finances can be tight for the average American. Average American lives on the edge of financial hardship. Above average you are doing pretty good to very good. Below average and you are probably in a downward spiral to bankruptcy unless you have help with housing or transportation. (like living with parents, sharing an apartment, or being a couple/married.)

If moving to another country helps you with your finances, it certainly would be worth considering.

We I went from being a contractor to being a direct employee my employer reduce my pay $800 a month to cover their costs for providing me health insurance.

I don't understand why you are college educated but are working an hourly job with no benefits? Just a few months ago unemployment was at a record low.

TEK