City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Chicago vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Chicago
Moderate
COL+Rent: 57.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo covers essentials with some leisure in Chicago.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Chicago | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,798 | $1,312 | +$486 |
| Groceries | $422 | $1,030 | $608 |
| Dining Out | $266 | $163 | +$103 |
| Transportation | $74 | $61 | +$13 |
| Utilities | $171 | $237 | $66 |
| Other / Misc | $269 | $197 | +$72 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Chicago
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$725
per month
Only $725/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Chicago — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Chicago on $3,000/month?
Living in Chicago on $3,000/mo is rated "Moderate". Budget allocates ~$1,798 to rent, $422 to groceries, $266 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 Chicago or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Chicago 57.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Chicago worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Chicago equals ~$725/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.