City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Chiang Mai.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chiang Mai | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,114 | $1,312 | $198 |
| Groceries | $1,034 | $1,030 | +$4 |
| Dining Out | $265 | $163 | +$102 |
| Transportation | $116 | $61 | +$55 |
| Utilities | $304 | $237 | +$67 |
| Other / Misc | $167 | $197 | $30 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chiang Mai
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$2,393
per month
Only $2,393/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Chiang Mai — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chiang Mai on $3,000/month?
Living in Chiang Mai on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,114 to rent, $1,034 to groceries, $265 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 Chiang Mai or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chiang Mai 17.3 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Chiang Mai worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Chiang Mai equals ~$2,393/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.