Forget buying a place to live — you can't even find a place to rent in Los Angeles. And Los Angelenos have to spend an average of 47% of median income on the median rent — which leaves not very much left over for transportation, food, health care and clothing. There is a staggering shortage of housing for low-income workers and their families in Los Angeles, says Curbed LA, and "meanwhile,  developers are only building 'luxury' housing, and kicking out those who live in rent-controlled units."

Read more on Curbed LA and see their rent "heat map."