Cost of Housing

As the cost of housing is different for all of us, What does it take to qualify to rent in your part of the world? Here in San Diego, I have talked to property managers and they are asking for people to make 40 times the amount needed to pay Rent. If rent is $1,700.00 then annual income needs to be $68,000.00. If $3,000.00, then $120,000.00. What is it like in your neck of the woods?