There is no doubt that managing expenses is very difficult on a minimum-wage or close to it job in most cities in the U.S. But when you start getting closer to the median income in the U.S. (and engineer salaries), expense management and lifestyle inflation become very important IMO.

Increasing earnings gives you more money today.

Decreasing spending gives you more money today, and more money every time that you act on that same habit. Cutting your rent doesn't just put cash into your wallet now, it also decreases the amount you need to save to live (or retire) at your current lifestyle.