City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/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)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Mexico City.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Mexico City | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,683 | $1,312 | +$371 |
| Groceries | $559 | $1,030 | $471 |
| Dining Out | $318 | $163 | +$155 |
| Transportation | $57 | $61 | $4 |
| Utilities | $130 | $237 | $107 |
| Other / Misc | $253 | $197 | +$56 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Mexico City
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$1,190
per month
Only $1,190/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Mexico City — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Mexico City on $3,000/month?
Living in Mexico City on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,683 to rent, $559 to groceries, $318 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 Mexico City or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Mexico City 34.8 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Mexico City worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Mexico City equals ~$1,190/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.