Although thought to be a very expensive city, I have found cheap living. I rent a town home with 3 other people (mid 20's) and split the rent. For my room I pay $425 per month plus utilities (another $60)
It breaks down like this

Car $233.55
Cell Phone $70.00
Rent/Utilities $475.00
Gas $200.00
Gym/Heath $49.00
Food/fun $400.00

I should note that I have exceptional low rent do to having no A/C and not living close to the freeway. There also really isn't much to do by house which pushes the rent downwards. I moved here from neighboring Santa Cruz I was paying $650 for a room and all other expenses were about the same.