City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Manila vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Manila
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 21.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $609 | $656 | $47 |
| Groceries | $461 | $515 | $54 |
| Dining Out | $144 | $81 | +$63 |
| Transportation | $22 | $31 | $9 |
| Utilities | $172 | $119 | +$53 |
| Other / Misc | $92 | $98 | $6 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$1,500
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$950
per month
Only $950/mo in Surabaya matches $1,500/mo in Manila — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $1,500/month?
Living in Manila on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$609 to rent, $461 to groceries, $144 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 Manila or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Manila worth in Surabaya?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$950/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.