Maybe I'm just not paying attention; but, I can't think of anywhere you can realistically live on $35k-$45k a year in the US these days. Maybe some rural areas, but cost of living has gotten so incredibly high that it just doesn't seem fathomable to me to be able to afford an apartment, basic bills, cell phone, and food (let alone a car, insurance, gas, etc. on top of that). After taxes, that comes out to what, maybe $25k-$35k a year depending on where you live?
Since I like numbers, let's just say after taxes it is $35k/yr; that comes out to about ~$16.83/hr, or $673.20/wk and $2,692.80/mos (or, 4wks). So, making it a round number, that's living off of $2700/mos. Average rent in the US for a 900sq.ft apartment is $1700/mos, leaving the individual with $1000 for everything else. That's not a lot of room for, well, life in general (a car payment on a $20k loan at 6% over 5yrs is about $400). I guess it's doable (more likely without a car), but super tight; potentially easier with a roommate, working spouse/partner, or living with family; but alone, it'd be tough as hell.
Heck, even with the average US salary (based on 2023 Q4 stats in a 3sec Google search) of $60k/yr, I think it would be tough.