City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/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)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Manila.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Manila | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,029 | $2,186 | $157 |
| Groceries | $1,537 | $1,717 | $180 |
| Dining Out | $481 | $271 | +$210 |
| Transportation | $74 | $102 | $28 |
| Utilities | $575 | $395 | +$180 |
| Other / Misc | $304 | $329 | $25 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Manila
$5,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$3,165
per month
Only $3,165/mo in Surabaya matches $5,000/mo in Manila — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Manila on $5,000/month?
Living in Manila on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,029 to rent, $1,537 to groceries, $481 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $5,000/month?
In Surabaya, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,186 rent, $1,717 groceries, $271 dining.
Is Manila or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Manila 21.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Manila worth in Surabaya?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Manila equals ~$3,165/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.