City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Bangkok vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Bangkok | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,449 | $1,312 | +$137 |
| Groceries | $818 | $1,030 | $212 |
| Dining Out | $186 | $163 | +$23 |
| Transportation | $90 | $61 | +$29 |
| Utilities | $240 | $237 | +$3 |
| Other / Misc | $217 | $197 | +$20 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Bangkok
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,243
per month
Only $1,243/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Bangkok — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Bangkok on $3,000/month?
Living in Bangkok on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,449 to rent, $818 to groceries, $186 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $3,000/month?
In Surabaya, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,312 rent, $1,030 groceries, $163 dining.
Is Bangkok or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Bangkok 33.3 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Bangkok worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Bangkok equals ~$1,243/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.