City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $2,000/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)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Cebu
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 15.5 (NYC=100)
$2,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Cebu.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Surabaya | Cebu | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $875 | $681 | +$194 |
| Groceries | $687 | $718 | $31 |
| Dining Out | $108 | $198 | $90 |
| Transportation | $41 | $33 | +$8 |
| Utilities | $158 | $268 | $110 |
| Other / Misc | $131 | $102 | +$29 |
| Total | $2,000 | $2,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Surabaya
$2,000
per month
Cebu equivalent
$2,246
per month
You'd need $2,246/mo in Cebu to match $2,000/mo in Surabaya.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Surabaya on $2,000/month?
Living in Surabaya on $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$875 to rent, $687 to groceries, $108 to dining.
Can I live in Cebu on $2,000/month?
In Cebu, $2,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $681 rent, $718 groceries, $198 dining.
Is Surabaya or Cebu cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Surabaya 13.8 vs Cebu 15.5 (NYC=100).
What is $2,000/mo in Surabaya worth in Cebu?
$2,000/mo of purchasing power in Surabaya equals ~$2,246/mo in Cebu using COL adjustment.