City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,217 | $1,312 | $95 |
| Groceries | $922 | $1,030 | $108 |
| Dining Out | $289 | $163 | +$126 |
| Transportation | $44 | $61 | $17 |
| Utilities | $345 | $237 | +$108 |
| Other / Misc | $183 | $197 | $14 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,899
per month
Only $1,899/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Manila — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $3,000/month?
Living in Manila on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,217 to rent, $922 to groceries, $289 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $3,000/month?
In Surabaya, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,312 rent, $1,030 groceries, $163 dining.
Is Manila or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Manila worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$1,899/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.