I don't live in California, the startup I work for is remote. I don't fear financial ruin because I don't have money, I fear it because I catastrophize everything. There's no evidence to suggest I would be homeless if I lost my job, but that's just where my brain goes.

But I'd like to point out that in your math, you calculated the cost of a car and a rent, but no other living expenses. Also in what universe does a car cost $1000/month??