[bluGill]

In Singapore and a few other places. However in the US housing is not a government monopoly (sometimes low income housing is). You can always find a landlord in a different town. No need for a new job as you still live in the same metropolitan area.

[arcticbull]

Ok but what if the landlord raises rent by $200, while commuting would cost me an extra $250. Or what if I move from a town with good public transit to one where I have to drive by your own admission, several towns over.

What if moving costs $1000, which is another $83 per month over a year.

[bluGill]

Note that it doesn't need to you personally that moves. Even people who would move anyway will force lower rents just to attract new renters. It takes longer this way but renters typically search a large area when looking for a new place and they care about their costs vs ammentities.

[bluGill]

Commuting will not cost you an extra $250 in any world I know of. You are typically only moving a biking distance here.