City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Ho Chi Minh City vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Ho Chi Minh City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 22.2 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $509 | $437 | +$72 |
| Groceries | $271 | $343 | $72 |
| Dining Out | $63 | $54 | +$9 |
| Transportation | $9 | $20 | $11 |
| Utilities | $72 | $79 | $7 |
| Other / Misc | $76 | $67 | +$9 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Ho Chi Minh City
$1,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$622
per month
Only $622/mo in Surabaya matches $1,000/mo in Ho Chi Minh City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,000/month?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$509 to rent, $271 to groceries, $63 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
In Surabaya, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $437 rent, $343 groceries, $54 dining.
Is Ho Chi Minh City or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Ho Chi Minh City 22.2 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Ho Chi Minh City worth in Surabaya?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City equals ~$622/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.