Mark Cuban shared rent with 5 roommates at 24, survived on canned food before becoming a billionaire; here's how he managed his expenses

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban recently appeared on a podcast and talked about struggling days. He recalled how he managed his expenses and survived on a low income. He also revealed that he survived on $2.15 an hour before becoming a billionaire. He shared how he cut expenses on food and accommodation while working multiple jobs. His comments came after he appeared on the Diary of a CEO podcast. He advised young people not to wait for their dream jobs but to take available opportunities and gain experience.

What jobs did Mark Cuban do?

He said he earned just $2.15 an hour working as a bar-back and bartender. He shared tips with other employees while working at the bar. He also worked in retail, and said he did not receive employee benefits.

Cuban recalled that his credit cards were taken away during that period and his food expenses were extremely limited. He even survived on canned food, instant ramen and peanuts. He said that he learned about business by observing his bosses and their superiors, using his early jobs to understand how businesses operated.


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How did he split rent with five roommates at 24?

At the age of 24, Cuban lived in a three-bedroom apartment in Dallas, Texas, with five other people. The apartment was located at The Village Apartments and measured approximately 1,350 square feet.

Cuban said he lived in that apartment or another apartment across the street for approximately two years before eventually moving to a place with just one roommate.

He also recalled that he was the last person to move into the apartment and did not have a bed, closet or dresser when he arrived. He slept on the floor and kept his clothes in a corner of the room.

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What did Cuban say about today's cost of living?

The discussion was on whether people earning low wages today can manage rent and other basic expenses. He said that economic conditions have changed but said he respected people willing to do whatever it takes to get started.