As mentioned in another comment, I'm from India. $150 translates to about Rs 12000. That's indeed enough to cover rent (the place is more than fit for 2 people), food, maid service, etc. This wouldn't work in a bigger city (which was one of the reasons I left one) and I could further cut down expenses if I moved to a smaller town. Internet is via mobile, cheap and connection issues are rare (in fact, it has been better than broadband I had earlier).