what do you consider "basics"?
for some people it would include some form of cable tv or broadband connection... others would say they are luxuries...
we live a fairly "basic" lifestyle. family of 3 plus a helper.
we spend around $7000/month on food(including toiletries, diapers, formula, eating out etc.). we RARELY go to a western restaurant, they are too expensive. however, when we do, we economise. Pepperoni's pizza have "Two for Tuesdays" specials, so you can get 2 slabs of baby back ribs for $120. For us, this is a big occasion.
we pay $7000/month rent for a 3 brm flat in DB.
we have 2 mobile phones(old style blackberries)...$330/month(total)
home phone with IDD $400
electric $1000
gas $300
water $100
nowtv $250
netvigator broadband $290(we get some months for free...so actually works out to be less)
transportation $1500 MINIMUM(currently we both work in DB, so that's why this is so little)...as of next month it will be more like $2500/month(3 people)
there are places where you can eat very cheaply. (my favourite dumpling place closed down to gov't urban renewal...fantastic home-made beijing dumplings for around $18-25)
so i guess what i'm trying to say, is.....
it all depends on YOU and what kind of life YOU want.