City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Cebu vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Cebu | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $511 | $656 | $145 |
| Groceries | $538 | $515 | +$23 |
| Dining Out | $149 | $81 | +$68 |
| Transportation | $25 | $31 | $6 |
| Utilities | $201 | $119 | +$82 |
| Other / Misc | $76 | $98 | $22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Cebu
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,335
per month
Only $1,335/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Cebu — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Cebu on $1,500/month?
Living in Cebu on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$511 to rent, $538 to groceries, $149 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,500/month?
In Surabaya, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $656 rent, $515 groceries, $81 dining.
Is Cebu or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Cebu 15.5 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Cebu worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Cebu equals ~$1,335/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.