City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Ho Chi Minh City.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Ho Chi Minh City | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,018 | $875 | +$143 |
| Groceries | $541 | $687 | $146 |
| Dining Out | $126 | $108 | +$18 |
| Transportation | $18 | $41 | $23 |
| Utilities | $144 | $158 | $14 |
| Other / Misc | $153 | $131 | +$22 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Ho Chi Minh City
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,243
per month
Only $1,243/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Ho Chi Minh City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Ho Chi Minh City on $2,000/month?
Living in Ho Chi Minh City on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,018 to rent, $541 to groceries, $126 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 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 $2,000/mo in Ho Chi Minh City worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Ho Chi Minh City equals ~$1,243/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.