Earlier quoted context omitted.
Indeed. The key is to never be that developer who leaves all that money on the table. The company you're negotiating against will be happy to take it.
The thing is, willing to live in a bungalow might be a competitive advantage, all other things being equal (and maybe even if they are not, sadly).
If my living expenses were far below my rate, I'd save my money happily against the possibility my living expenses would go up or my income would go down in the future, and would not lower my rates.
If I occasionally lost a bid but still got enough work, I would not lower my rates.
As a worker, lowering your rates unnecessarily screws other workers, and future-you is another worker getting screwed.