City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Chiang Mai vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chiang Mai
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 17.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $557 | $656 | $99 |
| Groceries | $517 | $515 | +$2 |
| Dining Out | $133 | $81 | +$52 |
| Transportation | $58 | $31 | +$27 |
| Utilities | $152 | $119 | +$33 |
| Other / Misc | $83 | $98 | $15 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,197
per month
Only $1,197/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $1,500/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$557 to rent, $517 to groceries, $133 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 Chiang Mai or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$1,197/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.