City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $743 | $875 | $132 |
| Groceries | $689 | $687 | +$2 |
| Dining Out | $177 | $108 | +$69 |
| Transportation | $77 | $41 | +$36 |
| Utilities | $203 | $158 | +$45 |
| Other / Misc | $111 | $131 | $20 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,595
per month
Only $1,595/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Chiang Mai — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $2,000/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$743 to rent, $689 to groceries, $177 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
In Surabaya, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $875 rent, $687 groceries, $108 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 $2,000/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$1,595/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.