City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Davao vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Davao
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 14 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Davao.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Davao | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $482 | $656 | $174 |
| Groceries | $548 | $515 | +$33 |
| Dining Out | $165 | $81 | +$84 |
| Transportation | $27 | $31 | $4 |
| Utilities | $206 | $119 | +$87 |
| Other / Misc | $72 | $98 | $26 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Davao
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,479
per month
Only $1,479/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Davao — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Davao on $1,500/month?
Living in Davao on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$482 to rent, $548 to groceries, $165 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 Davao or Surabaya cheaper?
Both cities are similarly priced. COL+Rent: Davao 14 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Davao worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Davao equals ~$1,479/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.