I lived in a big apartment complex where gas was free. Which means heat was free. My electricity bill was super low during Winter and some of Spring and Fall.
And yes $2k was enough to live on while I lived there. Assuming of course, your car is paid off, your car insurance is low without tickets and stuff. And you thrift spend on your food shopping. Oh and gasolime prices was half of what it is today. And your daily drive is less than 30 miles round trip.
Also what world is where the phone and cable bill is $100? What they got no cell phone and but a land-line? And the cable is basic? No internet?
$600 for rent or mortgage? Where is this located? Where suspect sounding banjos are being played?