City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/month?
Mexico City vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Mexico City
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 34.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Mexico City.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,122 | $875 | +$247 |
| Groceries | $373 | $687 | $314 |
| Dining Out | $212 | $108 | +$104 |
| Transportation | $38 | $41 | $3 |
| Utilities | $87 | $158 | $71 |
| Other / Misc | $168 | $131 | +$37 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$2,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$793
per month
Only $793/mo in Surabaya matches $2,000/mo in Mexico City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $2,000/month?
Living in Mexico City on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,122 to rent, $373 to groceries, $212 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 Mexico City or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Mexico City worth in Surabaya?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$793/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.