No I spend ~700 a month but about 100 of that is insurance and gas which is entirely me going to and from work. I live in Austin TX.
But yeah I know some college towns where I could get down to 3-400 a month with out too much deprivation. And I could probably get a grand out of my car.
Which okay is more like 2 and 4 years I guess. Although I'd be due at least some tax return and a couple paychecks+unused vacation if it was me quiting to pursue the great american novel.
Rice, beans, ramen, potatoes, etc. There are many inexpensive foods that can keep you alive. But you have to buy in bulk, i.e. 50 pound bags.
I think you would also want supplements, vitamins, etc.
Plus I think that while your body can theoretically make all the protein it needs from rice and beans, I think you'd also need to have fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. I certainly wouldn't want to risk it without those. And unless you grew your own, they would probably cost more
than the rice and beans.
But you shouldn't need to buy meat, which is comparatively very expensive.
Side note:current liquid savings: 16000.