City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,000/month?
Surabaya vs Cebu — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $437 | $340 | +$97 |
| Groceries | $343 | $359 | $16 |
| Dining Out | $54 | $99 | $45 |
| Transportation | $20 | $17 | +$3 |
| Utilities | $79 | $134 | $55 |
| Other / Misc | $67 | $51 | +$16 |
| Total | $1,000 | $1,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,000
per month
Cebu equivalent
$1,123
per month
You'd need $1,123/mo in Cebu to match $1,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$437 to rent, $343 to groceries, $54 to dining.
Can I live in Cebu on $1,000/month?
In Cebu, $1,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $340 rent, $359 groceries, $99 dining.
Is Surabaya or Cebu cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Cebu?
$1,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,123/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.