City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Medellín vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $822 | $875 | $53 |
| Groceries | $593 | $687 | $94 |
| Dining Out | $252 | $108 | +$144 |
| Transportation | $81 | $41 | +$40 |
| Utilities | $129 | $158 | $29 |
| Other / Misc | $123 | $131 | $8 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,445
per month
Only $1,445/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $2,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$822 to rent, $593 to groceries, $252 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 Medellín or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Medellín worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$1,445/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.