City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $811 | $875 | $64 |
| Groceries | $615 | $687 | $72 |
| Dining Out | $193 | $108 | +$85 |
| Transportation | $29 | $41 | $12 |
| Utilities | $230 | $158 | +$72 |
| Other / Misc | $122 | $131 | $9 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,266
per month
Only $1,266/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Manila — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $2,000/month?
Living in Manila on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$811 to rent, $615 to groceries, $193 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 Manila or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Manila worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$1,266/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.