As a regional airline pilot 20-23k for first year salary is normally expected. Will this be enough to live off of? Obviously the pay increases after the first year but first year is always the lowest.

You probably won't be buying a $500,000 in California, but can just get by where housing is cheap.

I recall a documentary showing pilots bunking together in cheap hotel rooms, not really the glamorous life.

It's definitely lower than most pilots earn (between $40,472 - $280,060) but it might work for areas with low cost of living expenses. See http://bitly.com/Zd7rQO .

You'll need a roommate and a used car but you'll survive.

I think it is enough. Money doesn't buy happiness..

depends on your ability to control your expenses

That's poverty.