City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $5,000/month?
Surabaya vs Bangkok — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Bangkok
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 33.3 (NYC=100)
$5,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Bangkok.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Bangkok | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $2,186 | $2,416 | $230 |
| Groceries | $1,717 | $1,363 | +$354 |
| Dining Out | $271 | $309 | $38 |
| Transportation | $102 | $150 | $48 |
| Utilities | $395 | $400 | $5 |
| Other / Misc | $329 | $362 | $33 |
| Total | $5,000 | $5,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$5,000
per month
Bangkok equivalent
$12,065
per month
You'd need $12,065/mo in Bangkok to match $5,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $5,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$2,186 to rent, $1,717 to groceries, $271 to dining.
Can I live in Bangkok on $5,000/month?
In Bangkok, $5,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $2,416 rent, $1,363 groceries, $309 dining.
Is Surabaya or Bangkok cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Bangkok 33.3 (NYC=100).
What is $5,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Bangkok?
$5,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$12,065/mo in Bangkok using COL adjustment.