I believe you will find spending $1500 for living expenses very dificult. That is $50 a day. Most people spend about $10-$15 on food alone. Add gas, car insurance and payments, cellphone or phone or both, electricity, medical and dental co-payments, cable and internet. Then there are always unexpected expenses like car or appliance repairs. You also need clothes and basic stuff for an apartment. Most people also make at least one trip per year to visit family.