City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/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)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $656 | $511 | +$145 |
| Groceries | $515 | $538 | $23 |
| Dining Out | $81 | $149 | $68 |
| Transportation | $31 | $25 | +$6 |
| Utilities | $119 | $201 | $82 |
| Other / Misc | $98 | $76 | +$22 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$1,500
per month
Cebu equivalent
$1,685
per month
You'd need $1,685/mo in Cebu to match $1,500/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $1,500/month?
Living in Surabaya on $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$656 to rent, $515 to groceries, $81 to dining.
Can I live in Cebu on $1,500/month?
In Cebu, $1,500/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $511 rent, $538 groceries, $149 dining.
Is Surabaya or Cebu cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Surabaya worth in Cebu?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$1,685/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.