It's only that cheap if you live like a student. I suppose it must be possible to live that cheap in almost any western country, how else would students survive on <1000$ per month income?

Anyway, I think Joepie is forgetting that he will have to pay 30% income tax over that $17.000, and possibly 21% VAT also (depends on whether this would be seen as payment for service I think, he should contact an accountant).